Predictive factors for readmission after bariatric surgery: Experience of an obesity center.

Avoidable readmissions after bariatric surgery are a major burden on the healthcare systems. Rates of readmission after bariatric surgery have ranged from 1% up to 20%, but the factors that predict readmission have not been well studied. The objective of this study was to determine readmission rates following bariatric surgery and identify factors that contribute to early (within 90 days of surgery) and late readmission. A retrospective cohort study of 736 patients undergoing either Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Jordan University Hospital from 2016 to 2019. Demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and readmissions were extracted from their medical records and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which factors predict readmission. A total of 736 patients had bariatric surgery (Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy 89% vs Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass 11%) during the study period. Thirty-day readmission rate was 6.62% and an overall readmission rate of 23.23%. Common reasons for early readmission (within 90 days of surgery) were nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Late readmissions were mainly caused by gallbladder stones. Three risk factors were identified that independently predicted readmission: the type of procedure being performed (P-value = .003, odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-3.49), depression (P-value = .028, OR 6.49, 95% CI 1.18-52.9) and preoperative body mass index (P-value = .011, OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05). Several factors were identified that cause patients to represent and subsequently admitted into hospitals. Early readmission was usually due to nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, whereas late admissions were mostly due to biliary complications. Preoperative body mass index and depression were independent risk factors for readmission.

Evaluation of Maternal Risk Factors for Neonatal Hypernatremic Dehydration: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration (NHD) is a severe condition associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality. PURPOSE: The present study evaluated maternal risk factors, including duration of maternal hospitalisation, primiparity, caesarean section, and pregnancy complications, as well as social factors, such as depression, fatigue, and inadequate support for NHD. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Scientific Indexing, Scopus, and Google Scholar were the databases searched until 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Articles written in English or Persian focusing on the relationship between maternal risk factors and NHD among neonates and providing sufficient information on NHD were included in this study. On the other hand, articles whose abstracts were only available were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: The extracted data were presented in Excel software with the following titles: authors' names, year, type of study, study location, and maternal risk factors. The methodological quality of the articles was determined using the quality assurance tool for the diagnostic accuracy score (QUADAS). RESULTS: Of the 58 searched articles, 16 were investigated, which included five prospective, seven cross-sectional, and four retrospective articles. Maternal risk factors for NHD included labour and delivery complications, childbirth complications, factors causing insufficient breast milk intake (including breast milk insufficiency, nipple problems, wrong breastfeeding techniques, breast disorders, types of feeding, and breastfeeding training/counselling in pregnancy), as well as delivery and the postpartum period. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Maternal problems in pregnancy and delivery, breast disorders, breastfeeding status, maternal knowledge, and lactation skills are the most common maternal risk factors for NHD. Timely (antenatal) identification and proper management of maternal risk factors help reduce the incidence and severity of NHD complications.

The incidence and factors associated with dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of dysnatremia in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis varies, and factors associated with either dysnatremia or hyponatremia at presentation have not been identified clearly. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized for community-acquired acute gastritis/gastroenteritis from January to October 2016. Factors associated with dysnatremia at presentation were identified using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among the 304 children included, the median age was 2.2 (1.0, 4.2) years. The incidence of dysnatremia at presentation was 17.1% (hyponatremia 15.8%; hypernatremia 1.3%). Patients who had moderate (p = 0.03) and severe dehydration (p = 0.04) and presented with vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously (p = 0.03) were associated with dysnatremia at presentation. Patients presented with vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously was associated with hyponatremia at presentation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Dysnatremia was common in children with acute gastritis/gastroenteritis. Moderate to severe dehydration and the presence of vomiting and diarrhea simultanously were significantly associated with dysnatremia at presentation. Furthermore, presenting with vomiting and diarrhea silmutaneously was associated with hyponatremia at presentation. Serum electrolytes should be monitored in patients with those conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus and Fluid Imbalance: The Need for Adequate Hydration.

The effect of hydration in modulating metabolic disease risk is a comparatively recent concept. Diabetic patients are at increased risk of dehydration due to osmotic diuresis. Undiagnosed or undertreated hyperglycemia may lead to electrolyte imbalance and elevated renal burden of glucose excretion, which may alter fluid reabsorption in the kidney. Also, the presence of one or more contributory factors, such as inadequate fluid intake, strenuous exercise, high temperatures, alcohol consumption, diarrhea, acute illnesses, fever, nausea, and vomiting, may put diabetic patients at increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Certain antidiabetic agents used by diabetic patients may cause fluid retention/deficits and/or electrolyte abnormalities in a few patients. Thus, drinking ample amounts of water and fluids with appropriate electrolyte composition is important to prevent dehydration. Successful management of dehydration in patients with diabetes is an unmet need and can best be accomplished by maintaining adequate hydration status.

Oral Fluid, Electrolytes, and Energy Management in Various Adult and Geriatric Illnesses beyond Diarrhea: An Indian Expert Panel Delphi Consensus Recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Dehydration is a highly prevalent clinical challenge in adults which can go undetected. Although dehydration is commonly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality, only a few international guidelines provide recommendations regarding oral fluids, electrolytes, and energy (FEE) management in adults/geriatrics with dehydration due to nondiarrheal causes. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive recommendations on the role of oral FEE in nondiarrheal dehydration in adult and geriatric Indian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified Delphi approach was designed using an online questionnaire-based survey followed by a virtual meeting, and another round of online surveys was used to develop this consensus recommendation. In round one, 130 statements, including 21 open-ended questions, were circulated among ten national experts who were asked to either strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with statements and provide responses to open-ended questions. The consensus was predefined at 75% agreement (pooling "strongly agree" and "agree" responses). Presentation of relevant literature was done during a virtual discussion, and some statements (the ones that did not achieve predefined agreement) were actively discussed and deliberately debated to arrive at conclusive statements. Those statements that did not reach consensus were revised and recirculated during round two. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 130/130 statements covering various domains such as assessment of dehydration, dehydration in geriatrics, energy requirement, impact of oral FEE on patient outcome, and fluid recommendations in acute and chronic nondiarrheal illness. However, one statement was not added as a recommendation in the final consensus (129/130) as further literature review did not find any supporting data. Oral FEE should be recommended as part of core treatment from day 1 of acute nondiarrheal illness and started at the earliest feasibility in chronic illnesses for improved patient outcomes. Appropriately formulated fluids with known electrolyte and energy content, quality standards, and improved palatability may further impact patient compliance and could be a good option. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations provide guidance for oral FEE recommendations in Indian adult/geriatric patients with various nondiarrheal illnesses.

Effectiveness of ORSL® Variants as an Adjuvant along with Standard-of-care Treatment in the Restoration of Oral Fluid, Electrolytes, and Energy in Patients with Fever and/or General Weakness in Indian Patients in an Outpatient Setting.

BACKGROUND: Dehydration due to reduced intake or increased losses including insensible losses in patients with acute nondiarrheal diseases may lead to fluid, electrolytes, and energy (FEE) deficits. The impact of oral FEE supplementation adjuvant to standard of care (SOC) treatment on recovery in patients with acute nondiarrheal diseases is yet to be evaluated. AIM: To determine the effectiveness of ORSL® variants (ORSL® Apple Drink and ORSL® PLUS Orange Drink), fruit juice-based electrolyte drinks as an adjuvant along with SOC in the restoration of oral FEE in patients with acute nondiarrheal disease with fever and/or general weakness who attended an outpatient department (OPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional, open-label, multicenter, real-world, study conducted at eight sites across India. Patients with fever and/or general weakness due to an acute nondiarrheal illness were given either ORSL® Apple Drink or ORSL® PLUS Orange Drink as an adjuvant along with SOC treatment per physician's discretion. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess improvement from baseline in energy or hydration levels after ORSL® variants consumption at 6, 24, and 48 hours measured by a new aided recovery scale (ARS). Secondary endpoints were to assess the improvement in energy and hydration levels at 20, 40, and 60 minutes, as well as energy levels and hydration levels at 20, 40, and 60 minutes, 6, 24, and 48 hours after the consumption of ORSL® Apple Drink or ORSL® PLUS Orange Drink. The patient's consumption of ORSL® variants and treatment experience, physician's experience of recommending ORSL® variants, and product safety were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 612 patients were enrolled with mean age 38.3 years, of whom 62.9% were male. The mean baseline level of energy and hydration was 1.59 (range 1.0-2.0) on ARS. Statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvements were observed in energy or hydration 6 hours after first consumption of ORSL formulations. Furthermore, improvement was observed from 40 minutes, and in levels of energy, hydration, and both energy and hydration from 60 minutes. Patients and physicians reported a positive experience with ORSL® variants. CONCLUSION: ORSL® Apple Drink and ORSL® PLUS Orange Drink are clinically proven to provide hydration and/or energy to patients with fever and/or general weakness.

Association of Physicians of India Expert Recommendations on Oral Fluid, Electrolytes, and Energy Management during Transition Care and Discharge for Hospitalized Patients with Nondiarrheal Illnesses.

Acute nondiarrheal illnesses (NDIs) involve overt or subclinical dehydration, requiring rehydration and electrolyte repletion. Dehydration is frequently under-recognized and under-managed, both in outpatient departments (OPDs) and inpatient departments (IPDs). Postadmission dehydration is associated with longer hospital stays and higher inhospital mortality rates. Recognizing and understanding dehydration in hospitalized patients is necessary due to the adverse outcomes associated with this condition. In this article, we aimed to develop practical consensus recommendations on the role of oral fluid, electrolyte, and energy (FEE) management in hospitalized patients with FEE deficits in NDI. The modified Delphi consensus methodology was utilized to reach a consensus. A scientific committee comprising eight experts from India formed the panel. Relevant clinical questions within three major domains were formulated for presentation and discussion: (1) burden and factors contributing to dehydration in hospitalized patients; (2) assessment of fluid and electrolyte losses and increased energy requirements in hospitalized patients; and (3) management of FEE deficits in hospitalized patients [at admission, during intravenous (IV) therapy, IV to oral de-escalation, and discharge]. The consensus level was classified into agreement (mean score ≥4), no consensus (mean score <4), and exclusion (mean score <4 after the third round of discussion). The questions that lacked agreement were discussed during the virtual meeting. The experts agreed that the most common factors contributing to dehydration in patients with NDI hospitalized in IPDs include decreased oral fluid intake, increased fluid loss due to the illness, insensible fluid loss, and a lack of awareness among doctors about dehydration, which can result in poor fluid intake. Time constraints, discontinuity of care, lack of awareness of the principles of fluid balance, lack of formal procedures for enforcing hydration schemes, and lack of adequate training are most often barriers to the assessment of hydration status in hospital settings. Experts used hydration biomarkers, such as changes in body weight, serum, or plasma osmolality; fluid intake; and fluid balance charts; along with urine output, frequency, quantity, and color, to determine hydration status in hospital settings. Experts agreed that appropriate FEE supplementation in the form of ready-to-drink (RTD) fluids can restore FEE deficits and shorten the length of hospital stays in hospitalized patients at admission, during de-escalation from IV to oral therapy, and at discharge. RTD electrolyte solutions with known concentrations of electrolytes and energy are good choices to avoid taste fatigue and replenish FEE in hospitalized patients during transition care and at discharge.

Acute kidney injury in nonagenarians: clinical characteristics and mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Nonagenarians constitute a rising percentage of inpatients, with acute kidney injury (AKI) being frequent in this population. Thus, it is important to analyze the clinical characteristics of this demographic and their impact on mortality. METHODS: Retrospective study of nonagenarian patients with AKI at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2022. Only the latest hospital admission was considered, and patients with incomplete data were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to define risk factors for mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included, with a median age of 93.0 years (91.2-95.0), and males accounting for 42.7% of the sample. Sepsis was the most common cause of AKI (53.3%), followed by dehydration/hypovolemia (17.7%), and heart failure (17.7%). ICU admission occurred in 39.3% of patients, mechanical ventilation in 14.7%, vasopressors use in 22.7% and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in 6.7%. Death occurred in 56.7% of patients. Dehydration/hypovolemia as an etiology of AKI was associated with a lower risk of mortality (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.020). KDIGO stage 3 (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.17-8.47, p = 0.023), ICU admission (OR 12.27; 95% CI 3.03-49.74, p < 0.001), and oliguria (OR 5.77; 95% CI 1.98-16.85, p = 0.001) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: AKI nonagenarians had a high mortality rate, with AKI KDIGO stage 3, oliguria, and ICU admission being associated with death.

Prevalence and factors associated with rotavirus diarrhea among children aged 3-24 months after the introduction of the vaccine at a referral hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus has a significant morbidity and mortality in children under two years. The burden of rotavirus diarrhea 4 years post introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Uganda is not well established. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity of dehydration and factors associated with rotavirus diarrhea among children aged 3 to 24 months after the introduction of the vaccine at Fort Portal Regional Referral hospital. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study in which children with acute watery diarrhea were included. A rectal tube was used to collect a stool sample for those unable to provide samples. Stool was tested for rotavirus using rapid immunochromatographic assay. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 with logistic regression done to determine the factors. RESULTS: Out of 268 children with acute watery diarrhea, 133 (49.6%) were females. Rotavirus test was positive in 42 (15.7%), majority of whom had some dehydration 28(66.7%). The factors that were independently associated with rotavirus diarrhea were; age < 12 months (AOR = 8.87, P = 0.014), male gender (AOR = 0.08, P = 0.001), coming from a home with another person with diarrhea (AOR = 17.82, P = 0.001) or a home where the water source was a well (AOR = 50.17, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea was three times less in the post rotavirus vaccination period compared to pre-rota vaccination period. Majority of the participants with rotavirus diarrhea had some dehydration. There is need for provision of safe water sources to all homes. Surveillance to determine the cause of the non rota diarrhea should be done.

Patient adherence to an oral rehydration solution intervention to prevent dehydration following ileostomy creation: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing surgery for ileostomy creation frequently experience postoperative dehydration and subsequent renal injury. The use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) has been shown to prevent dehydration, but compliance may be variable. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 patients who received a postoperative hydration kit and dehydration education to assess barriers and facilitators to compliance with ORS kit instructions. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed five themes affecting patient adherence to the ORS intervention: (1) patient's perception of the effectiveness of the ORS solution, (2) existing co-morbidities, (3) kit quality and taste of the ORS product, (4) quality of the dehydration education, and (5) social support. CONCLUSIONS: Given that patient adherence can greatly affect the success of an ORS intervention, the design of future ORS interventions should emphasize the educational component, the "patient friendliness" of the ORS kit, and ways that social supports can be leveraged to increase adherence.

Postoperative Oral Rehydration and Regimented Follow-up Decrease Readmissions After Colorectal Surgery That Includes Ileostomies.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomies constitute 15% to 43% of readmissions after colorectal surgery, often due to dehydration and acute kidney injury. Prior institutional interventions decreased readmissions but not among patients who underwent new ileostomies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate readmissions among patients who underwent new ileostomies after postoperative oral rehydration solution and standardized clinic visits. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospective database. SETTINGS: Enhanced recovery colorectal surgery service. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent new ileostomy before and after intervention. INTERVENTIONS: Postoperative oral rehydration solution and postdischarge clinic visits with review of inputs/outputs, antimotility and appliance needs, and trained nurse reeducation 4 to 7 days after discharge, 30 days postoperatively, and every 1 to 2 weeks thereafter as needed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Readmission rate due to dehydration/acute kidney injury (primary), emergency department visits, and readmission rates overall and for specific diagnoses. Analysis used univariate and weighted techniques. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (199 preintervention; 113 postintervention) were included, with a mean age of 59.0 years. Patients were predominantly White (94.9%) and evenly split between men and women. The most common diagnosis was diverticulitis (43.3%). The most common procedure was high anterior resection (38.8%), followed by low anterior resection (16.35%). Patient and procedure characteristics were well matched between groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that readmission rate due to dehydration/acute kidney injury significantly decreased between pre- and postintervention study groups (45.7% vs 16.5%, p = 0.039). Emergency department visits due to dehydration/acute kidney injury (12.0% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001) and readmissions from all causes (24.33% vs 10.6%, p = 0.005) also significantly decreased. Other complications were not significantly different between groups. Average stoma output 24 hours before (776 vs 625 mL, p = 0.005) and after (993 vs 890 mL, p = 0.025) discharge was significantly decreased in the postintervention group. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: An oral rehydration solution and frequent standardized postdischarge visits led by trained nursing staff decreased readmissions and emergency department visits among patients who underwent new ileostomies after colorectal surgery. See Video Abstract . LA REHIDRATACIN ORAL POSOPERATORIA Y EL SEGUIMIENTO REGLAMENTADO REDUCEN LOS REINGRESOS EN PACIENTES DE CIRUGA COLORRECTAL CON ILEOSTOMAS: ANTECEDENTES:Las ileostomías constituyen del 15 al 43% de los reingresos después de la cirugía colorrectal, a menudo debido a la deshidratación y la lesión renal aguda. Las intervenciones institucionales previas redujeron los reingresos, pero no entre los pacientes con nuevas ileostomías.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los reingresos entre pacientes con nuevas ileostomías después del uso de solución de rehidratación oral postoperatoria y visitas clínicas estandarizadas.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de base de datos prospectiva.AJUSTES:Servicio de cirugía colorrectal de recuperación mejorada.PACIENTES:Pacientes con ileostomía nueva antes y después de la intervención.INTERVENCIÓN(ES):Solución de rehidratación oral posoperatoria y visitas clínicas posteriores al alta con revisión de entradas/salidas, antimotilidad y necesidades de aparatos, y reeducación de enfermeras capacitadas 4-7 días después del alta, 30 días después de la operación y cada 1-2 semanas después, según sea necesario.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Tasa de readmisión debido a deshidratación/lesión renal aguda (primaria), tasa de urgencias y de readmisión en general y para diagnósticos específicos. El análisis utilizó técnicas univariadas y ponderadas.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 312 pacientes (199 preintervención; 113 postintervención), con una edad media de 59,0 años. Los pacientes eran predominantemente blancos (94,9%) y se dividieron equitativamente entre hombres y mujeres. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue diverticulitis (43,3%). El procedimiento más común fue la resección anterior alta (38,8 %) seguida de la resección anterior baja (16,35 %). Las características del paciente y del procedimiento coincidieron bien entre los grupos. El análisis multivariante demostró que la tasa de reingreso debido a deshidratación/lesión renal aguda disminuyó significativamente entre los grupos de estudio antes y después de la intervención (45,7 % frente a 16,5 %, p = 0,039). Las visitas a urgencias por deshidratación/insuficiencia renal aguda (12,0 % frente a 1,7 %, p < 0,001) y los reingresos por todas las causas (24,33 % frente a 10,6 %, p = 0,005) también disminuyeron significativamente. Otras complicaciones no fueron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos. El gasto medio del estoma 24 horas antes (776 ml frente a 625 ml, p = 0,005) y después (993 ml frente a 890 ml, p = 0,025) del alta disminuyó significativamente en el grupo posterior a la intervención.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de centro único.CONCLUSIONES:Una solución de rehidratación oral y frecuentes visitas estandarizadas posteriores al alta dirigidas por personal de enfermería capacitado redujeron los reingresos y las visitas al servicio de urgencias entre los pacientes con nuevas ileostomías después de la cirugía colorrectal. ( Traducción-Dr. Yolanda Colorado ).

Hospital admissions associated with dehydration in childhood kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric kidney transplant recipients may be at a particular risk of dehydration due to poor kidney concentrating capacity and illness associated with poor fluid intake or losses. In this population, creatinine rise may be more likely with relatively mild dehydration, which may trigger hospital admission. This study describes hospital admissions in the first 12 months after transplantation with diagnosis of graft dysfunction associated with dehydration due to illness or poor fluid intake. We assess risk factors for these admissions. METHODS: Data was extracted from medical records of patients transplanted in two tertiary children hospitals. Following descriptive analysis, multiple failure regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with admission for acute kidney allograft dysfunction associated with dehydration. RESULTS: Of 92 children, 42% had at least 1 dehydration admission in the 12 months following transplantation. Almost half of the dehydration admissions were due to poor fluid intake, which accounted for 1/5 of all unplanned hospital admissions. Target fluid intake at first discharge of > 100 ml/kg/day was associated with dehydration admissions of all types (hazard ratio (HR) 2.04 (95% CI 1.13-3.68)). Teen age was associated with poor fluid intake dehydration admissions (HR 4.87 (95% CI 1.19-19.86)), which were more frequent in mid-summer. Use of enteric feeding tube, which correlated with age under 4, associated with contributing illness dehydration admissions (HR 2.18 (95% CI 1.08-4.41)). CONCLUSIONS: Dehydration admissions in the 12 months following childhood kidney transplantation are common. Highlighted admission risk factors should prompt further study into optimal fluid intake prescription and hydration advice given to children, teenagers, and their carers following kidney transplantation. Use of an enteric feeding tube may not protect patients from admission with dehydration associated with contributing illness. A highger resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Fluid management in children with volume depletion.

Volume depletion is a common condition and a frequent cause of hospitalization in children. Proper assessment of the patient includes a detailed history and a thorough physical examination. Biochemical tests may be useful in selected cases. Understanding the pathophysiology of fluid balance is necessary for appropriate management. A clinical dehydration scale assessing more physical findings may help to determine dehydration severity. Most dehydrated children can be treated orally; however, intravenous therapy may be indicated in patients with severe volume depletion, in those who have failed oral therapy, or in children with altered consciousness or significant metabolic abnormalities. Proper management consists of restoring circulatory volume and electrolyte balance. In this paper, we review clinical aspects, diagnosis, and management of children with volume depletion.

Challenges in using fractional excretion of sodium in the assessment of salt poisoning.

AIM: Hypernatraemia typically reflects dehydration, yet in rare instances may be caused by salt poisoning. Identifying these rare cases is a difficult challenge. Making the diagnosis of salt poisoning can have severe consequences, such as the removal of the child from its home or even prison sentences for the implicated carer. It is therefore imperative to get the diagnosis right. Guidelines for the assessment of hypernatraemia emphasise the importance of the fractional excretion of sodium to distinguish between dehydration and salt poisoning, but no generally accepted cut-off value exists. Opinions about the diagnosis of salt poisoning in some cases consequently may differ. Here, we aim to highlight the challenges and stimulate discussion on how to improve the tools for the assessment of hypernatraemia. METHODS: Report of a case of unexplained hypernatraemia in which the treating paediatrician raised the suspicion of salt poisoning. RESULTS: Two consulted experts made opposing judgements about the aetiology of the observed hypernatraemia. CONCLUSION: Clear diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of salt poisoning are lacking and more data are needed for their establishment. Without this, victims may experience further harm and carers are at risk of devastating, yet potentially erroneous accusations.

Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration in breastfed neonates: a prospective study unmasking the influences of breastfeeding practices and early weight monitoring.

Introduction: Hypernatremic dehydration in neonates is an uncommon but serious reason for re-hospitalization, especially in exclusively breastfed neonates. The aim was to study the incidence, associated maternal and neonatal characteristics and risk factors, and presenting features of neonatal hypernatremic dehydration (NHD). Methods: A prospective study design was employed to enroll full-term newborns admitted with serum sodium concentrations of ≥145 mEq/L from April 2022 to March 2023 at a tertiary care rural hospital. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and breastfeeding practices of these mother-baby pairs were recorded and observed. Healthy control for every mother-baby pair was taken. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained from mothers. Result: 34 newborns out of total 672 NICU admissions were admitted due to NHD, with an incidence of 4.7%. Primiparous mothers were 23 (67.6%) in the cases and 10 (29.4%) in the control group (p = 0.0017). Disparity in maternal breastfeeding practices of cases, such as delayed initiation time 2.3 h vs. 1.27 h (p < 0.0001), less frequency of breastfeeding 6.5 times vs. 9.3 times (p < 0.0001), and duration of breastfeeding sessions 23.3 min vs. 32 min (p = 0.0014) respectively in cases and controls were found to be potential contributing factors. 61.7% of mothers had breast issues in the cases and 17.6% in the control group (p = 0.0002) with average LATCH score of 4.29 in cases as compared to 8.08 in controls (p < 0.0001) at time of baby's admission to NICU. The average neonatal age at presentation was six days and average weight loss was 11.4% in cases vs. 2.8% in controls (p < 0.0001). The main presenting features were excessive weight loss 30 (88.2%), lethargy 20 (58.8%), jaundice 18 (52.9%) and fever 14 (41.1%). Conclusion: Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration (NHD) poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in full-term, exclusively breastfed healthy neonates. We found an incidence of 4.7%. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding, inadequate breastfeeding techniques, and maternal breast-related issues were significant contributors to NHD. Primiparous mothers were found to be at higher risk, emphasizing the need for targeted breastfeeding education and support for primiparous mothers. The study reaffirmed the critical role of frequent and effective duration of breastfeeding and daily weight monitoring for preventing NHD.

Impact of dehydration on laparoscopic performance: a prospective, open-label, randomized cross-over trial.

INTRODUCTION: During laparoscopic surgery, surgeons may experience prolonged periods without fluid intake, which might impact surgical performance, yet there are no objective data investigating this issue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of prolonged dehydration on laparoscopic surgical performance and tissue handling. METHODS: A total of 51 laparoscopic novices participated in a single-center, open-label, prospective randomized cross-over trial. All participants were trained to proficiency using a standardized laparoscopic training curriculum. Afterward, all participants performed four different laparoscopic tasks twice, once after 6 h without liquid intake (dehydrated group) and once without any restrictions (control group). Primary endpoints were tissue handling defined by force exertion, task time, and error rate. The real hydration status was assessed by biological parameters, like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood gas analysis. RESULTS: 51 laparoscopic novices finished the curriculum and completed the tasks under both hydrated and dehydrated conditions. There were no significant differences in mean non-zero and peak force between the groups. However, dehydrated participants showed significantly slower task times in the Peg transfer task (hydrated: 139.2 s vs. dehydrated: 147.9 s, p = 0.034) and more errors regarding the precision in the laparoscopic suture and knot task (hydrated: 15.7% accuracy rate vs. dehydrated: 41.2% accuracy rate, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prolonged periods of dehydration do not appear to have a substantial effect on the fundamental tissue handling skills in terms of force exertion among surgical novices. Nevertheless, the observed impact on speed and precision warrants attention.

Use of POCUS for the assessment of dehydration in pediatric patients-a narrative review.

In pediatric practice, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) has been mostly implemented to recognize lung conditions and pleural and pericardial effusions, but less to evaluate fluid depletion. The main aim of this review is to analyze the current literature on the assessment of dehydration in pediatric patients by using POCUS. The size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and its change in diameter in response to respiration have been investigated as a tool to screen for hypovolemia. A dilated IVC with decreased collapsibility (< 50%) is a sign of increased right atrial pressure. On the contrary, a collapsed IVC may be indicative of hypovolemia. The IVC collapsibility index (cIVC) reflects the decrease in the diameter upon inspiration. Altogether the IVC diameter and collapsibility index can be easily determined, but their role in children has not been fully demonstrated, and an estimation of volume status solely by assessing the IVC should thus be interpreted with caution. The inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta (IVC/AO) ratio may be a suitable parameter to assess the volume status in pediatric patients even though there is a need to define age-based thresholds. A combination of vascular, lung, and cardiac POCUS could be a valuable supplementary tool in the assessment of dehydration in several clinical scenarios, enabling rapid identification of life-threatening primary etiologies and helping physicians avoid inappropriate therapeutic interventions.   Conclusion: POCUS can provide important information in the assessment of intravascular fluid status in emergency scenarios, but measurements may be confounded by a number of other clinical variables. The inclusion of lung and cardiac views may assist in better understanding the patient's physiology and etiology regarding volume status. What is Known: • In pediatric practice, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) has been mostly implemented to recognize lung conditions (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis) and pleural and pericardial effusions, but less to evaluate fluid depletion. • The size of the IVC (inferior vena cava) and its change in diameter in response to respiration have been studied as a possible screening tool to assess the volume status, predict fluid responsiveness, and assess potential intolerance to fluid loading. What is New: • The IVC diameter and collapsibility index can be easily assessed, but their role in predicting dehydration in pediatric age has not been fully demonstrated, and an estimation of volume status only by assessing the IVC should be interpreted carefully. • The IVC /AO(inferior vena cava/abdominal aorta) ratio may be a suitable parameter to assess the volume status in pediatric patients even though there is a need to define age-based thresholds. A combination of vascular, lung, and cardiac POCUS can be a valuable supplementary tool in the assessment of intravascular volume in several clinical scenarios.

Impact of Preparticipation Hypohydration on Cognitive Performance and Concussion-like Symptoms in Recreational Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sports-related concussion is a relevant risk of contact sports, with several million cases per year worldwide. Prompt identification is crucial to prevent complications and late effects but may be impeded by an overlap with dehydration-associated impairment of cognitive function. Researchers have extensively studied the effects of pronounced dehydration in endurance sports, especially in the heat. However, little is known about the effects of isolated and mild dehydration. METHODS: Healthy recreational athletes underwent a standardized fluid deprivation test. Hypohydration was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and laboratory testing of electrolytes and retention parameters. Participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with a cycle ramp protocol. Each participant served as their own control undergoing CPET in a hypohydrated [HYH] and a euhydrated [EUH] state. Effects were assessed using a shortened version of Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3). RESULTS: Fluid deprivation caused a mild (2%) reduction in body water, resulting in a calculated body mass loss of 0.8% without alterations of electrolytes, serum-osmolality, or hematocrit. Athletes reported significantly more (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.7; p < 0.01) and more severe (4.4 ± 6.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.9; p < 0.01) concussion-like symptoms in a hypohydrated state. Balance was worse in HYH by trend with a significant difference for tandem stance (1.1 ± 1.3 vs. 0.6 ± 1.1; p = 0.02). No relevant differences were presented for items of memory and concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Mild dehydration caused relevant alterations of concussion-like symptoms and balance in healthy recreational athletes in the absence of endurance exercise or heat. Further research is needed to clarify the real-life relevance of these findings and to strengthen the differential diagnosis of concussion.