Sodium and water content of feedings for use in infants with diarrhea

The management of diarrhea in young children has involved use of electrolyte solutions containing various amounts of sodium and water, which sometimes results in hypernatremia. In an effort to explain this phenomenon, the records of all infants admitted to a hospital with diarrhea and dehydration in 2 different periods (1972-73 and 1978-79) were reviewed and data associated with elevated or normal serum sodium concentrations were compared. Hypernatremia in the first epidemic of diarrhea was common; in the second episode, the few patients who did develop hypernatremia had milder symptoms. The analysis showed that the amount of fluid intake in relation to sodium content of prescribed fluids was the significant factor; the higher the sodium, the greater the need for high fluid intake. If sodium intake is not limited, careful supervision is needed to ensure adequate intake of water