Deshidratación hipernatrémica asociada a la alimentación con lactancia materna en el periodo neonatal/Hypernatremic dehydration associated with breast-feeding in the neonatal period

• Published in: Acta pediátrica española Vol. 74; no. 10; p. 261
• Main Authors: García, L G González, García, L Carrera, Llorente, R P Arias, Romero, M Costa, Rodríguez, M Suárez, Fernández, A Ibáñez, Fernández, L Mantecón, Sánchez, G Solís
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Madrid Ediciones Mayo 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Breastfeeding & lactation; Dehydration; Neonatal care; Pediatrics
• ISSN: 0001-6640; 2014-2986

Hypernatremic dehydration in newborns is associated to exclusive breastfeeding in primiparous mothers with wrong breastfeeding technique. Despite advances in perinatological care, hypernatremic dehydration remains common today. Retrospective study of exclusive breastfeeding neonates with serum sodium concentrations equal to or greater than 150 mmol/L requiring admission in the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias in the last 14 years. Twenty-six newborn were included in the study (0.54 per 1,000 live births). At admission, the mean percentage of weight loss was 17.9% and mean serum sodium value 162 mmol/L. A linear relationship between serum sodium and weight loss was observed. 73% of the mothers were primiparous. 34% of the sample were admitted directly from the maternity, 34% came from the emergency department and 30,6% were referred to the hospital by their reference pediatrician. All cases evolved satisfactorily. An increase in incidence in recent years was objectively. Hypernatremic dehydration in exclusively breastfed neonates appears in most cases in primiparous. Breastfeeding training for health professionals, to intensify the care of the newborn during their stay in the maternity and to implement an early visit after postnatal discharge may be considered useful measures to prevent this pathology. Nowadays, this disease reflects a lack of support for breast-feeding mothers in health system.