Prognostic value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates with hypernatremic dehydration

Abstract

Objectives: Hypernatremic dehydration in neonates is a condition that develops due to inadequate fluid intake and it may lead to cerebral damage. We aimed to determine whether there was an association between serum sodium levels on admission and aEEG patterns and prognosis, as well as any association between aEEG findings and survival rates and long-term prognosis.

Method: The present study included all term infants hospitalized for hypernatremic dehydration in between January 2010 and May 2011. Infants were monitored by aEEG. At 2 years of age, we performed a detailed evaluation to assess the impact of hypernatremic dehydration on the neurodevelopmental outcome.

Results: Twenty-one infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for hypernatremic dehydration. A correlation was found between increased serum sodium levels and aEEG abnormalities. Neurodevelopmental assessment was available for 17 of the 21 infants. The results revealed that hypernatremic dehydration did not adversely affect the long-term outcomes.

Conclusion: The follow-up of newborns after discharge is key to determine the risks associated with hypernatremic dehydration. Our results suggest that hypernatremic dehydration had no impact on the long-term outcome. In addition, continuous aEEG monitoring could provide information regarding early prognosis and mortality.

• Dehydration
• electroencephalography
• hypernatremia
• neonate
• neurodevelopmental outcome

Notes

*This study was presented at the National Congress of Neonatology, April 2012, as a poster presentation.