[VRS bronchiolitis with severe hyponatremia leading to acute seizures: a report of three cases]

Abstract

Acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can present with extrapulmonary manifestations, notably severe hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is caused by excess secretion of antidiuretic hormone and can be exacerbated by intravenous infusion of hypotonic solutions. We report three cases of infants admitted for acute bronchiolitis and hyponatremia leading to acute seizures. We describe how hyponatremia was corrected and analyze the management aspects that might have worsened the magnitude of hyponatremia. We underline the basic principles of water and electrolyte management of bronchiolitis.