Water intoxication with seizures

Presented is the case of a normal two-month-old girl who developed seizures secondary to water intoxication. The infant had been fed 20 to 30 oz of water daily for three days, while her usual formula was withheld because of vomiting and diarrhea. On the day of admission, the infant exhibited signs of water intoxication in the form of lethargy, vomiting, and seizures. Hyponatremia, hypothermia, and hyperglycemia were noted on admission, and are common features of the syndrome. The patient responded well to fluid restriction and salt replacement. Previous reports have attributed water intoxication to feeding mismanagement, vigorous hydration, dilute formulas, and swimming lessons.