Malnutrition and hypernatremic dehydration in breast-fed infants

JAMA. 1982 Feb 19;247(7):1016-7.

Abstract

Despite the well-recognized advantages of breast-feeding to both mother and child, malnutrition of breast-fed infants can occur. We report two cases of breast-fed infants with cachexia, hypernatremia, and, in the one case in which it was measured, an elevated level of breast-milk sodium. These cases, along with several reported previously, emphasize the need for proper education and close and early follow-up of the nursing mother and infant, especially since a lack of parental awareness can be part of this syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding*
  • Cachexia / etiology
  • Dehydration / etiology*
  • Female
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Hypernatremia / complications
  • Hypernatremia / etiology*
  • Infant Nutrition Disorders / etiology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / etiology*
  • Male
  • Milk, Human / metabolism
  • Sodium / metabolism

Substances

  • Sodium