Hyponatremia and Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) Score in Geriatric Patients: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim and objectiveHyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients. Age is an important, strong independent factor for hyponatremia. Geriatric at-risk groups are identified with six straightforward dichotomous questions. The research aims to determine the incidence of hyponatremia and correlate the identification of seniors at risk (ISAR) score with electrolytes in elderly individuals. Materials and methodsThe 334 geriatric population of elderly men and women were recruited based on age cut-off as more than 70 to 75, 76 to 80, and more than 80. Patients were categorized based on serum sodium levels as severe hyponatremia group A (< 125 mEq/L), moderate hyponatremia B (126 to 130 mEq/L), mild hyponatremia C (131 to 135 mEq/L) and normonatremia D (136 to 145 mEq/L). At the time of admission, the ISAR Tool was utilized to identify the participants with hyponatremia at risk. Electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride were analyzed in the Beckman Coulter AU480 autoanalyzer by indirect ISE method. The mean of the data was compared with ANOVA, and the ISAR risk score was correlated with electrolytes by Pearson correlation analysis; p < 0.5 is considered significant. Results and discussionAbout 16.76 % (56 patients) had severe hyponatremia (Serum sodium 119.14± 4.14 mEq/L) with a high ISAR score (6.0) and were reported as critical alert results by the central laboratory. Based on age-wise category, 70 to 75 yrs had serum sodium levels of 133.82 mEq/L, 76 to 80 yrs had 128.4 mEq/L, and more than 80 years had serum hyponatremia 119.17 mEq/L. Geriatrics with normonatremia had a 1.22 ISAR score, whereas geriatrics with severe hyponatremia had a 6.0 ISAR score. Correlation analysis of the ISAR score revealed a statistically significant negative correlation with sodium (r = - 0.53), potassium (r = - 0.34), and chloride (r = - 0.30) levels. Likewise, the length of hospital stay of the geriatrics with severe hyponatremia was prolonged (19 days), which contributed to the deterioration of health status; thereby, better healthcare follow-up is encouraged. ConclusionHyponatremia is a critical alert analyte that is common in hospitalized geriatric patients. The ISAR score system points towards the individuals who are at risk and need immediate correction. Thereby, correction of sodium levels and close monitoring of the elderly patient enables quick recovery, and the consequences of hyponatremia are circumvented.