31) A Severe Case of Hypernatremic Dehydration Secondary to Breastfeeding Failure and a Unique Method of Rehydration

Introduction: Hypernatremic dehydration is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality throughout the world and accounts for up to 30% of worldwide deaths of infants and toddlers. Hypernatremia, when severe, poses a significant risk for neurologic injury. Case Report: We present a unique case in which a 15 day old infant presents with severe hypernatremia in the setting of dehydration, fever, and two pound weight loss since birth secondary to breast feeding failure. She required special considerations for adequate rehydration without causing significant fluid balance shifts that …