Should I Be Alarmed?
I have a 15-month-old son who measures 30.8 inches tall and weighs 24.2 pounds. Over the past month, I’ve noticed that he drinks a lot more water and frequently urinates. He consumes between 32 to 40 ounces of water (often mixed with Pedialyte) and adds another 12 to 16 ounces of whole milk each day. It seems like he drinks water as if he’s really parched. We had some blood tests done yesterday, and here are the results: - BUN/Creatinine: 60 - Anion Gap: 18 - CO2: 18 mm - Glucose: 70 (not a fasting sample) - Potassium: 5.4 - AST: 69 - Total Protein: 6.8 - Albumin: 4.8 - Alkaline Phosphatase: 137 - ALT: 27 Additionally, his urine osmolality was measured at 160. The doctor informed me that they would be referring us to an endocrinologist due to the urine osmolality findings, but they did not address the other abnormal lab results. How worried should I be about all of this?
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 10:41:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling worried given the changes you've observed in your son's drinking and urination habits, along with the unusual lab results. The combination of high water intake and frequent urination can sometimes indicate conditions that need further evaluation, which is why your doctor is referring you to an endocrinologist.
Key Points:
- Increased Thirst and Urination: This can be indicative of several potential conditions, such as diabetes insipidus or other endocrine issues.
- Abnormal Lab Findings: The BUN/Creatinine ratio and CO2 levels could suggest hydration issues or kidney function concerns, while the blood glucose level is within the normal range.
- Referral to Specialists: A consultation with an endocrinologist is crucial to further investigate and determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and lab results.
Explanation:
- Increased thirst and urination in toddlers, especially when accompanied by abnormal lab findings, require a thorough workup. Urine osmolality of 160 is low, which may indicate your child is producing dilute urine, possibly due to his high fluid intake. It's essential to consider whether this could be due to a hormone imbalance or a kidney issue.
- The lab results presented provide an insight into your son's metabolic health. The elevated AST and alkaline phosphatase may suggest liver function tests should also be evaluated, depending on further history and clinical context.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Continue observing your child's overall health, including any changes in behavior, energy levels, or any new symptoms. Take note of factors like diet, weight, and any signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, fewer tears).
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Prepare for the Endocrinologist Visit:
- Document all symptoms and concerns to discuss with the specialist.
- Bring copies of lab results and any notes on dietary intake and hydration habits.
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Maintain Hydration: Ensure your son stays well-hydrated, but watch for excessive fluid intake. Provide clear water and monitor how much he drinks without restricting based on current observations.
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Follow-Up on Liver Enzyme Tests: You may want to ask your pediatrician about the significance of the elevated liver enzymes (AST and alkaline phosphatase) if this hasn’t been addressed, as they might warrant further investigation.
Feeling concerned is completely normal, but taking these proactive steps can help you and your son navigate this situation more effectively. Stay close to your child's healthcare providers and advocate for the care he needs.
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