[Electrolyte imbalances in infancy and childhood].

Electrolyte disturbances are frequently encountered in pediatric patients, not only in those with critical illness. They can manifest as lethargy, seizures, vomiting and cardiac arrhythmias. In many cases, electrolyte abnormalities are secondary to other underlying conditions, therefore clinical signs and symptoms can be predominated by the primary disease and not by the electrolyte imbalance. Clinical and laboratory evaluation must consist of a detailed history including any drug treatment, evaluation of volume status, acid-base balance, electrolytes as well as plasma and urine osmolality. Before initiating treatment, potential risks of both, the electrolyte disorder itself and the treatment must be considered. Therefore, long lasting (chronic) disorders must in general be corrected very slowly, whereas in acute disturbances rapid correction is better tolerated.