Hyponatraemia

Abstract

Hyponatraemia is present in 15-20% of non-selected emergency admissions to hospitals in the UK. It is associated with increased mortality and morbidity as well as increased duration of stay, independent of the cause for admission. Hyponatraemia is therefore common and important, driving the need for a rational but practical management strategy. This must encompass a stratified approach based on clinical presentation, balancing diagnostic uncertainty and the relative merits of different interventions to achieve the best outcome. © 2010 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.