‘Water poisoning’ in burn patients drinking tap water

  • Daan den Hollander Burns Unit Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Department of Surgery University of KwaZulu Natal Durban
Keywords: hyponatremia, seizures, tap water resuscitation

Abstract

Two toddlers with major burns are described who were seen in primary healthcare clinics and sent home. Both children drank large amounts of tap water and presented a few days later with severe hyponatraemia and seizures (‘water poisoning’). Indications for admission and early fluid management of burn patients are summarised.

Author Biography

Daan den Hollander, Burns Unit Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Department of Surgery University of KwaZulu Natal Durban
Trauma surgeon Head of Department Burns Unit
Published
2016-11-14
Section
Case Studies