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Dehydration and hypernatremia in breast-fed term healthy neonates

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of significant weight loss, dehydration, hypernatremia and hyperbilirubinemia in exclusively breast-fed term healthy neonates and compare the incidence of these problems in the warm and cool months.Methods: During the study period 496 neonates were recruited.Results: 157 neonates (31.6%) had significant weight loss (>10% cumulative weight loss or per day weight loss >5%). Clinical dehydration was present in 2.2% of neonates. Of these 157 neonates, 31.8% had hypernatremia and 28% had hyperbilirubinemia.Conclusion: The incidence of the above mentioned problems were higher in the warm months but the difference was not statistically significant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, St. John, Medical College, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, 560 034, Bangalore

    Swarna Rekha Bhat (Professor and Head), Patricia Lewis, Angela David & Sr. Maria Liza

Authors
  1. Swarna Rekha Bhat
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  2. Patricia Lewis
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  3. Angela David
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  4. Sr. Maria Liza
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Correspondence to Swarna Rekha Bhat.

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Bhat, S.R., Lewis, P., David, A. et al. Dehydration and hypernatremia in breast-fed term healthy neonates. Indian J Pediatr 73, 39–41 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02758258

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02758258

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