A Rare Presentation of Adrenal Hemorrhage in Newborn: Case Report

Neonatal hyperkalemia is a frequent condition seen in very low-birth-weight infants and it may also be associated with hemolysis, renal failure, hemorrhage and aldosterone deficiency. Herein, we report two cases of hyperkalemia secondary to adrenal hemorrhage. First patient was admitted with dyspnea and hypoglycemia. During follow-up, hyperkalemia and hyperbilirubinemia appeared, and adrenal hemorrhage was detected on the abdominal ultrasonography. Although there was no adrenal insufficiency, hyperkalemia was thought to be related to hemorrhage. Second patient was a newborn of a diabetic mother and she had hypoglycemia. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia appeared on the second day of her life and she was diagnosed as adrenal insufficiency. Abdominal ultrasonography showed adrenal hemorrhage. In conclusion, abdominal ultrasonography must be obtained to evaluate the etiology of hyperkalemia, and patients with adrenal hemorrhage should be followed closely for probable electrolyte imbalance.