Effect of Optimal Thyroid Replacement Therapy on Chronic Hyponatremia with Focused Review of the Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications

Abstract

We present an unusual case of hyponatremia in an ambulatory hypothyroid patient and review related published literature on PubMed including, original articles, reviews and case reports that describe or refute the association and mechanism for the development of hyponatremia in hypothyroidism. A 50-year-old female presented in ambulatory clinic with complaints of bilateral hand swelling, fatigue, dizziness, and unsteadiness while walking. Laboratory investigations revealed that she had hypothyroidism and hyponatremia. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy resulted in resolution of hypothyroidism symptoms as well as hyponatremia. A comprehensive search of related literature regarding the development of chronic hyponatremia in hypothyroidism revealed two schools of thought, which we have summarized in this report. Based on our observations, we conclude that due to overlap in symptoms of hyponatremia and neurological manifestations of hypothyroidism, it is imperative to screen hypothyroid patients for underlying hyponatremia and treat accordingly in order to prevent long-term complications of chronic hyponatremia. Hyponatremia secondary to hypothyroidism resolves with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which shows convincing evidence of an association between the two entities.