Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.  2013 Jun;18(2):95-98. 10.6065/apem.2013.18.2.95.

Hyponatremia caused by excessive intake of water as a form of child abuse

• Joo MA
• Kim EY

• KMID: 2047469
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2013.18.2.95

Abstract

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder that requires careful management. Water intoxication with hyponatremia is rare condition that originated from overhydration. Water intoxication, also known as dilutional hyponatremia, develops only because the intake of water exceeds the kidney's ability to eliminate water. Causes of this water intoxication include psychiatric disorder, forced water intake as a form of child abuse and iatrogenic infusion of excessive hypotonic fluid. We experienced and reported a case of symptomatic hyponatremia by forced water intake as a form of child abuse.

Keyword

Hyponatremia; Water intoxication; Child abuse

MeSH Terms

Child
Child Abuse
Drinking
Humans
Hyponatremia
Water Intoxication
Water Intoxication

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Various sizes of bruises on patient's back, arm, and thigh.

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  Fig. 2 The patient's brain computed tomography: no visible abnormality

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