Growth failure and metabolic acidosis due to total body sodium depletion in an infant with an ileostomy.

Sodium is an essential nutrient and inadequate sodium intake and/or excessive sodium losses can result in suboptimal growth. Infants with ileostomies are at significant risk of developing growth failure as a result of excessive sodium loss in their ileostomy effluent. Chronic sodium depletion can also limit the kidney’s ability to excrete hydrogen and potassium ions, mimicking electrolyte abnormalities found in type 4 renal tubular acidosis. This report describes an infant with an ileostomy with severe growth failure, hyperkalaemia and metabolic acidosis—all of which promptly resolved with sodium supplementation.