FREQUENCY OF HYPERNATREMIA SECONDARY TO ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE

Background: Acute gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in developing countries. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypernatremia, can complicate its clinical course and may significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes if not promptly identified and managed. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of hypernatremia secondary to acute gastroenteritis in children under five years of age. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Pediatric Department, Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: Three months, from February 7, 2025, to May 7, 2025. Methods: A total of 121 children under the age of five years presenting with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Serum sodium levels were measured upon admission. Hypernatremia was categorized into three levels of severity: mild (146–149 mmol/L), moderate (150–169 mmol/L), and severe (≥170 mmol/L). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The mean age of the participants was 2.50 ± 1.17 years. Of the 121 children, 57.0% were male and 43.0% were female. Hypernatremia was observed in 21 patients (17.4%). Among those with hypernatremia, 14.3% had mild, 52.4% had moderate, and 33.3% had severe hypernatremia. Conclusion: Hypernatremia was present in 17.4% of children under five years of age with acute gastroenteritis, with the majority presenting in the moderate severity category. Early detection and appropriate management of electrolyte imbalances are critical to improving clinical outcomes in pediatric gastroenteritis cases.