Table of Contents
Does low sodium run in families?
Is hyponatraemia inherited? Hyponatraemia is not itself inherited. However, some conditions with a genetic component can be associated with hyponatraemia.
Why might children be most at risk for hyponatremia?
Because of their higher brain/intracranial volume ratio, children are at increased risk for these sequelae compared with adults.
What can cause low sodium in children?
Hyponatremia can be caused by heart, kidney, or liver problems, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, or certain drugs and medications. Since sodium is lost in sweat, hyponatremia also can be caused by drinking too much water during exercise, especially extended, intense exercise, such as a marathon or triathlon.
How do pediatrics manage hyponatremia?
In patients with normovolemic hyponatremia, restriction of fluids to two-thirds (or less) of the volume needed for maintenance is the mainstay of treatment. Diuretics can be administered with fluid restriction to remove excessive free water. Once again, the change in Na levels should not exceed 8 mEq/L/d.
Who is most likely to get hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is more likely in people living with certain diseases, like kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and diseases affecting the lungs, liver or brain. It often occurs with pain after surgery. Also, people taking medications like diuretics and some antidepressants are more at risk for this condition.
What is the normal sodium level for a child?
The normal range for blood sodium levels is 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
How is pediatric hypernatremia treated?
In cases of hypernatremia caused by sodium overload, sodium-free intravenous fluid (eg, 5% dextrose in water) may be used, and a loop diuretic may be added. The serum sodium concentration should be monitored frequently to avoid too-rapid correction of hypernatremia.
What is the main cause of low sodium levels?
A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
What is the initial treatment for hyponatremia?
For serious symptomatic hyponatremia, the first line of treatment is prompt intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline, with a target increase of 6 mmol/L over 24 hours (not exceeding 12 mmol/L) and an additional 8 mmol/L during every 24 hours thereafter until the patient’s serum sodium concentration reaches 130 mmol/L.