Understanding Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance.1 It is a condition of abnormally low sodium concentration, usually defined as serum sodium <135 mEq/L.2
Hyponatremia is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance.1
Although it has been recognized for decades, hyponatremia is still not fully understood.3 This may be partially due to the fact that it is associated with a wide range of underlying disease states.3 Hyponatremia is a potentially serious condition, yet assessment can be challenging and strategies for treatment have traditionally been suboptimal.3,4 A better understanding of hyponatremia and knowledge of recent advances in treatment, such as Vaprisol, are therefore an important part of improving patient care.
NEXT: Incidence and Impact
References: 1. Janicic N, Verbalis JG. Evaluation and management of hypo-osmolality in hospitalized patients. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2003;32:459-481. 2. Goh KP. Management of hyponatremia. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69:2387-2394. 3. Verbalis JG, Goldsmith SR, Greenberg A, Schrier RW, Sterns RH. Hyponatremia treatment guidelines 2007: expert panel recommendations. Am J Med. 2007;120(suppl 11A):S1-S21. 4. Douglas I. Hyponatremia: why it matters, how it presents, how we can manage it. Cleve Clin J Med. 2006;73(suppl 3):S4-S12.
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