A six-year-old child is admitted to the Paediatric ICU for seizures. He has been on treatment with Tacrolimus and Prednisolone. On investigations, his blood urea is 68 mg.dk Serum Sodium is 136 meq/l likely cause of his seizures –
**Core Concept**
The child's seizures are likely due to an imbalance of electrolytes, specifically an increase in serum sodium levels, which can cause seizures in the pediatric population. This is a classic example of a hypernatremic encephalopathy, where the high sodium levels cause brain swelling and seizures.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The child's seizures are likely caused by the high serum sodium levels, which can lead to cerebral edema and seizures. This is because the high sodium levels cause an osmotic shift of water into the brain, leading to brain swelling and increased intracranial pressure. This can cause seizures, particularly in children, who have a larger brain-to-body mass ratio and are more susceptible to the effects of hypernatremia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Hyperkalemia is not directly related to seizures in this context. While hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, it is not typically associated with seizures.
* **Option B:** Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not typically associated with seizures.
* **Option D:** Hypocalcemia can cause muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures, but the child's serum sodium levels are high, not low.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that hypernatremia can cause seizures in children, particularly those with a history of seizures or neurological disorders. This is because the high sodium levels can cause cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, leading to seizures.
**Correct Answer: C. Hypernatremia**