Diagnosis and management of hyponatremia in acute illness.
OBJECTIVE
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder present in hospitalized patients. Acute and severe hyponatremia can cause significant morbidity and mortality. The present review discusses the epidemiology, causes, and a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic hyponatremia, including the appropriate use of hypertonic saline and potential future use of the new V2 vasopressin receptor antagonists in critically ill patients.


RESULTS
The increasing knowledge of aquaporin water channels and the role of vasopressin in water homeostasis have enhanced our understanding of hyponatremic disorders. Increased vasopressin secretion due to nonosmotic stimuli leads to decreased electrolyte-free water excretion with resulting water retention and hyponatremia. Vasopressin receptor antagonists induce electrolyte-free water diuresis without natriuresis and kaliuresis. Phase three trials indicate that these agents predictably reduce urine osmolality, increase electrolyte-free water excretion, and raise serum sodium concentration. They are likely to become a mainstay of treatment of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia.


CONCLUSIONS
The correct diagnosis and management of hyponatremia is complex and requires a systematic approach. Vasopressin receptor antagonists are potential tools in the management of hyponatremia. Further studies are needed to determine their role in the treatment of acute, severe, life-threatening hyponatremia as well as chronic hyponatremia.
Schrier
Robert W
RW
Division of Renal Disease and Hypertension, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. robert.schrier@uchsc.edu
Bansal
Shweta
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin / Q000187:drug effects*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance
D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014667:Vasopressins