title: DDAVP to prevent rapid correction in hyponatremia.
abstract: Correction of hyponatremia can be complicated by brisk free water diuresis with a rise in the serum sodium (s-Na) in excess of the generally accepted rate of 10-15 mmol/l/24 hours. We describe this complication and its treatment with desmopressin (dD-AVP), in a 56-year-old female with severe hyponatremia secondary to polydipsia and antidiuretic (ADH) activity. The patient developed a large free water diuresis with a markedly dilute urine (urine osmolality 61 mmol/kg) and a rise in the serum sodium of 19 mmol/l in 19 hours despite the addition of large volumes of free water intravenously and orally. To reduce the free water excretion, desmopressin (dD-AVP) 8 microg was given intravenously. This resulted in a rise in the urinary osmolality, a reduction in the urine volume, and a 2 mmol/l reduction in the serum sodium. Thereafter, the serum sodium rose 4 mmol/l in 24 hours. There were no neurological sequellae. In cases of appropriate but rapid correction of hyponatremia secondary to rapid free water diuresis, dD-AVP can safely reduce the free water excretion, slow the rate of correction of the serum sodium and simplify the fluid therapy of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Queen's University Nephrology, Kingston General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Goldszmidt
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Iliescu
mesh_terms: D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012076:Renal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012076:Renal Agents; D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin