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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Hyponatremia | Case report
From hypotonic maintenance fluid to severe hyponatremia: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2021
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Background
The principles for maintenance intravenous fluid prescription in children were developed in the 1950s. These guidelines based on the use of hypotonic solutions have been challenged regularly for they seem to be associated with an increased risk of hospital-acquired hyponatremia.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 4-week-old Caucasian child admitted for acute bronchiolitis who received hypotonic maintenance fluids and developed severe hyponatremia (94 mmol/L) with hyponatremic encephalopathy.
Conclusion
This clinical situation can serve as a reminder of the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding the use of intravenous fluids that promote the use of isotonic fluids in children.