CLINICOETIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HYPONATREMIA PATIENTS IN MEDICAL WARDS : A TERTIARY CARE BASED STUDY.

Abstract

Background: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients. Hyponatremia is usually associated with other diseases and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity.

Aims and Objectives: To study the clinicoetiologiocal profile of hyponatremia patients in medical wards

Study design: Prospective study

Participants: 430 patients admitted to medical wards including both males and females above 18years of age.

Methods: Patients admitted to medical wards over a period of two years who presented with hyponatremia or develop hyponatremia during a hospital stay.

Results: Hyponatremia was found more common in elderly patients involving more female patients (64%) than males. A most common cause of hyponatremia was SIADH (60%) followed by hypervolumic hyponatremia. Most common symptoms were headache, restlessness, lethargy, drowsiness. Drugs contribute about 15% of all causes of hyponatremia, hydrochlorothiazide being the most common cause of hyponatremia among drugs. Hyponatremia contributed a significant increase in mortality in patients who were elderly with underlying hypertension, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease and presented with CCF. Osmotic demylination syndrome was reported in three patients.

Conclusions: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder among hospitalized patients involving females more commonly than males and is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients.

Implications: Hyponatremia if managed properly will result in significant improvement in the outcome of hospitalized patients.