Hypertonic Saline Protocol for Treating Hyponatremia
Author Information
Author(s): Bhaskar Emmanuel Kumar, Bismay Ramalakshmi S.
Primary Institution: Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai, India
Hypothesis
Can a non-weight based protocol for hypertonic saline administration effectively treat acute symptomatic hyponatremia?
Conclusion
The non-weight based protocol with monitoring for water diuresis is reasonably an effective strategy in the treatment of acute euvolemic symptomatic hyponatremia.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean serum sodium on admission was 114 meq/l.
- Administration of 100 ml hypertonic saline resulted in a mean increase in serum sodium of 2 meq/l.
- The mean increase in serum sodium over 24 hours was 9 meq/l.
- Forty-six patients had remarkable recovery in level of consciousness after treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new way to treat low sodium levels in the blood using a special salt solution, and it worked pretty well.
Methodology
Patients over 18 with acute symptomatic severe hyponatremia were treated with a non-weight based protocol using hypertonic saline and monitored for serum sodium levels and urine specific gravity.
Potential Biases
The study did not specifically identify characteristics of non-responders, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The protocol may not be valuable in patients with marked proteinuria or glycosuria, and the cut-off for water diuresis needs standardization.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 58 years; 35 males and 23 females; 10% chronic alcoholics, 30% diabetics, 26% hypertensive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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