European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLINICAL AND ETIOLOGICAL STUDY OF HYPONATREMIA IN PATIENTS ADMITTED IN RESPIRATORY INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

*Shivam Gupta and Ved Prakash

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients. It is defined as serum sodium concentration less than 135mEq/L. It occurs due to disruption of sodium and water homeostasis. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic patients to ones having seizures and coma. Aims and objective: To evaluate the causes and clinical presentation of hyponatremia in patients admitted in Respiratory Intensive Care unit. Material and methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients admitted in respiratory Intensive Care Unit of tertiary care from jan-sept, 2022. Patients older than 14 years with serum sodium less than 135mEq/L were included in the study. Detailed history, clinical examination and all necessary investigations were done accordingly. P value <0.05 was taken as statistical significance. Results: In the present study 61% were male, Out of all patients 80% were symptomatic, out of which altered sensorium was the commonest symptom(40%). Most common cause was SIADH (52%) and most common symptom was altered sensorium in 40% of patients. Severe hyponatremia was associated with upto 63% of mortality while mild cases had 0.8%. Conclusion: Hyponatremia is commonly encountered electrolyte imbalance in respiratory ICU patients mostly in temperate countries like India. Most common cause being SIADH followed by salt loosing nephropathy and CCF. It is important to diagnose and treat hyponatremia early as it has direct association with mortality.

Keywords: Hyponatremia, Hypovolemia, Coma, Electrolytes, Diuretics.