Hyponatraemia caused by repeated cerebrospinal fluid drainage in post haemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Abstract

Three hyponatraemic infants had posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus which was treated by repeated drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Each required oral sodium supplements. The concentration of sodium in the cerebrospinal fluid was such that as much as 3 mmol of sodium could have been removed with each ventricular tap. Serum sodium concentrations should be monitored closely in any infant requiring regular drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.