Triglycerides and Sodium: Unmasking Pseudohyponatremia in a Clinical Case
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Hashem Nusrat, Abid Alina, Sola Siri Chandana, Lewis Alexander
Primary Institution: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, GBR
Hypothesis
Can severe hypertriglyceridemia lead to misdiagnosis of hyponatremia?
Conclusion
The case illustrates that low sodium levels can be misleading due to the interference of high triglycerides with laboratory measurements.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had severe hypertriglyceridemia leading to a diagnosis of pseudohyponatremia.
- Routine blood tests showed misleading sodium levels due to high triglycerides.
- Management focused on treating hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia rather than sodium levels.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when people have high fat in their blood, it can make it look like they have low sodium levels, which can confuse doctors.
Methodology
Case report of a 59-year-old man with severe hyponatremia and hypertriglyceridemia, including clinical assessment and laboratory tests.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
59-year-old male with a history of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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