الفهرس 
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Abstract
suaaary and Conclu8ion
Hypernatremic dehydration is the most serious type of
dehydration as it is a well recognized cause of permanent
brain damage(Clarke et al., 1979).
Manyclinical studies that were carried out in both
industrialized and less developed countries have established
the efficacy and advantages of oral rehydration therapy
(ORT) in infants with diarrheal dehydration. The most
popular oral rehydration solution which is recommendedby
the World Health organization (WHO)contains sodium at a
concentration of 90 mEq/L. Its use in Egypt resulted in
dramatic declining in the infant mortality rate.
Some pediatricians, however; have expressed concern
that this sodium concentration is potentially unsafe and
would lead to an exacerbation of hypernatremia.
In our study, the incidence of hypernatremic
dehydration, the role of ORS-90 in its production and
various factors that may contribute to hypernatremia were
stUdied, This study revealed the following:
_ The incidence of hypernatremic dehydration was 12.7%.
_ A positive correlation between ORS-90 intake and
incidence of hypernatremia.
- A negative correlation existed between the incidence
of hypernatremia and that of malnutrition.
- Also, it was found that hypernatremic dehydration was
more common among younger infants as well as in cases
presented with vomiting and/or fever, also in
artificially fed infants.
According to the results of our study we can recommend
the following points aiming to reduce the incidence of
hypernatremic dehydration:
(1) Proper use of ORB.
(2) Encouragement of breast feeding which is considered
a prophylactic measure against diarrhea and
hypernatremic dehydration.
(3) Minimizing extrafluid loss of diarrhea by:
(i) Early control of vomiting and proper use of
ORB.
(ii) Proper control of fever, chest infection or
acidosis if they are present as they increase
insensible water loss.