Hypernatremia

Abstract

Hypernatremia is an electrolyte disorder most prevalent in the elderly and the critically ill, with over 60% of cases developing over the course of an inpatient stay. Characterized by elevated serum sodium concentrations, this disorder is manifested either by pure-water loss without replacement, or excessive sodium intake without appropriate water balance. Left untreated it may lead to seizures and coma. General treatment in the case of severe hypernatremia is infusion of isotonic saline followed by pure-water after the patient is stabilized. Further treatment of the underlying cause may involve diuretics, thiazides, and a variety of other medications in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle modifications. This review contains 2 references. Key words: Hypernatremia, Edematous States ,Volume Depletion, Osmolality, Diuretics