Hypernatremia in Adults

Publication date: April 2015 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics, Volume 4, Issue 2 Author(s): Jesse Theisen-Toupal , Melissa L.P. MattisonTeaser Hypernatremia is common in the hospitalized patient and is associated with increased mortality. Hypernatremia is often caused by a decrease in water volume but can also be seen with an increased intake of sodium solutes. Normally, hypernatremia stimulates antidiuretic hormone secretion and thirst. However, when there is an interruption of the physiologic response to hypernatremia, it can become persistent or severe. In these cases, patients may have clinical manifestations, which if uncorrected, or improperly treated, can have significant consequences. In this article, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment of hypernatremia in adults are discussed.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research