P74: Other transitory neonatal electrolyte and metabolic disturbances

P74.2: Disturbances of sodium balance of newborn

There has to be a certain amount of minerals in the blood if the body is to be able to work normally. One of these minerals is sodium. The mineral balance in the blood is affected by many organs. The kidneys play a vital role here as, amongst other things, they control the sodium balance in the blood. In the body there are also messengers that affect the sodium balance.

There can be a variety of reasons why the sodium balance in a baby's blood has changed. It may be caused by a kidney problem, for example. Getting too much or too little fluid can also cause changes in the sodium balance. This can also be the case after drips have been administered. If large quantities of a particular messenger are released into the body, too, the sodium balance can change. Other reasons can be diarrhea or vomiting, for example.