High sweat electrolytes in a malnourished child

This case report describes an infant who presented with loose stools and none resolving respiratory tract infection and was found to have high sweat electrolyte levels. The sweat electrolyte concentrations declined during the course of treatment. This case report highlights the need to be aware of the false positive sweat test results that can occur in malnutrition and describes the important points in carrying out a proper sweat test. Keywords: sweat test; malnutrition; cystic fibrosis. DOI: 10.4038/jdp.v5i1.2958 Journal of Diagnostic Pathology 2006/07; 5: 35-38