[Hyponatraemia during the use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs): reports from 1992-2002].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the reports of serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced hyponatraemia that were sent to The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb and the Inspectorate for Health Care.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Reports of SSRI-induced hyponatraemia received by Lareb and the Inspectorate for Health Care during the period 1 January 1992 to 1 July 2002 were described on the basis of symptoms, co-medication and comorbidity. RESULTS; A total of 42 cases were reported, 38 (90%) of which concerned women and 21 (50%) of which concerned the concomitant use of SSRIs and diuretics. The mean age was 74 years (range: 30-91). The mean serum sodium concentration was 115 mmol/l (range: 97-132). The most important symptoms were reduced consciousness, confusion, falls, nausea and vomiting. 3 patients (7%) died in the period of the reported adverse drug reaction and 27 patients (64%) were hospitalised, of which 4 (10%) to the intensive care unit.


CONCLUSIONS
These reports of suspected SSRI-induced hyponatraemia were attended with significant morbidity and substantial mortality. The considerable morbidity and substantial mortality in combination with the increasing use of SSRIs necessitates a clarification of the actual incidence and severity of SSRI-induced hyponatraemia.
Wijnen
H H
HH
Alysis Groep, locatie Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Afd. Klinische Geriatrie, Postbus 9555, 6800 TA Arnhem. hwijnen@alysisgroep.nl
van Schendel
F M E
FM
Olde Rikkert
M G M
MG
van der Hooft
C S
CS
van Puijenbroek
E P
EP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012964:Sodium / Q000097:blood
D004232:Diuretics; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D012964:Sodium