Hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis: pathophysiological principles of management.
Hyponatremia is common in cirrhosis, where it impairs encephalopathy. It could be either due to excess water, or reduced Na, or a combination of both. The diagnosis can be established with clinical skills aided by simple data like weight, blood pressure and plasma electrolytes. The quantitative estimates of the water surfeit or solute deficit, easily performed with simple formulas and measurements, guide accurate and programmed treatment procedures, avoiding the occurrence of the ominous central pontine myelinolysis.
Castello
L
L
Department of Internal Medicine, University del Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Pirisi
M
M
Sainaghi
P P
PP
Bartoli
E
E
D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism
D012964:Sodium