Postpartum hypernatremic encephalopathy with osmotic extrapontine myelinolysis and rhabdomyolysis: a case report

Abstract

A young adult female in a postpartum state was referred to our hospital with history of fever and altered sensorium. On examination patient had pallor, was febrile and stuporous. Laboratory investigations revealed hypernatremia and raised CPK levels suggestive of rhabdomyolysis and MRI showed features suggestive of hypernatremic encephalopathy. After correction of hypernatremia with oral free water supplementation and 5% dextrose and with glucocorticoids therapy, over a period of two weeks there was gradual improvement in the sensorium of the patient. At the time of discharge patient was conscious, oriented and ambulant.