Hypernatraemic dehydration in newborns

Background: In several industrialised countries hypernatraemic dehydration is increasingly reported in healthy newborns during the first few days of life, probably associated with exclusive breastfeeding. This condition may result in convulsions, permanent brain damage and death. Excessive weight loss is an early indicator, other symptoms are not specific. Objective: Detection and management of hypernatraemic dehydration in newborns with weight loss above 10%. Methods: Prospective cohort study from July 2003 to January 2004 in the maternity of the University Hospital Zurich. All term newborns with birth weight a…