Clinical Spectrum, Risk Factors, and Immediate Outcomes in Hypernatremic Dehydration in Infants Admitted to the Pediatrics Department of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Gajju Khan Medical College, Sawabi

Abstract

Background: Hypernatremic dehydration in infants is a critical electrolyte imbalance associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-resource settings. Objective: To assess the clinical spectrum, associated risk factors, and immediate outcomes of hypernatremic dehydration in infants admitted to a tertiary care pediatric department. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 183 infants aged ≤12 months with serum sodium >145 mEq/L admitted to the Pediatrics Department of Bacha Khan Medical Complex. Infants with congenital renal or metabolic disorders were excluded. Data on demographics, clinical features, feeding history, treatment, and outcomes were collected via a validated structured questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the IRB, adhering to the Declaration of Helsinki. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS v27, including chi-square tests for associations. Results: Among 183 infants, 54.1% were male; 78.7% had sodium levels <155 mEq/L. Fever (82%), diarrhea (80.3%), and poor feeding (77%) were most common. Elevated sodium levels were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Early recognition and targeted fluid management are essential to reduce hospital stay and improve outcomes in infants with hypernatremic dehydration. Findings support caregiver education and timely intervention as clinical priorities.