Pontine myelinolysis after correction of hyponatremia during burn resuscitation.
Central pontine myelinolysis is a neurologic disease produced by the rapid correction of hyponatremia. This report describes the occurrence of central pontine myelinolysis in a patient with burns. The natural history of this paralyzing condition and suggestions for its prevention are discussed. Severely burned and hyponatremic patients are at risk for this disorder because a large amount of sodium ion is typically required for the treatment of burn shock. Awareness of this phenomenon and avoidance of rapid correction of hyponatremia are essential to its prevention.
Cohen
B J
BJ
Department of Surgery, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010-2975.
Jordan
M H
MH
Chapin
S D
SD
Cape
B
B
Laureno
R
R
D001830:Body Surface Area; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology*