The Association between Serum Sodium Levels and the Severity of Cirrhosis of Liver and its Complications

Somya Agarwal; Manisha Bais Thakur

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

The Association between Serum Sodium Levels and the Severity of Cirrhosis of Liver and its Complications

Somya Agarwal, Manisha Bais Thakur

Abstract :

Background/Aims: According to several recent studies conducted in patients with cirrhosis of liver, dilutional hyponatremia occurring as a result of reduced solute–free water clearance was a key prognostic factor. However little is known regarding the relationship between the degree of dilutional hyponatremia and development of cirrhotic complications. Therefore this study is done to assess the incidence of hyponatremia in cirrhosis of liver and to evaluate the association between the serum sodium levels and the severity of cirrhosis of liver and its complications. Methods: 100 consecutive cases of cirrhosis of liver were taken. The serum sodium levels, severity of the disease (Child–turcotte–pugh CTP score and MELD score) and occurrence and severity of complications (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome) were assessed in all the cases. Results: The prevalence of dilutional hyponatremia classified as Group A (serum sodium levels ≤130mmol/L), Group B (serum sodium levels 131–135mmol/L) and Group C (serum sodium levels ≥136mmol/L) were 55%, 26% and 19% respectively. The serum sodium levels were significantly associated with severity of disease as assessed by CTP score (p= 0.011) and MELD score (p= 0.012). Low serum sodium levels were significantly associated with occurrence and severity of complications (ascites p= 0.001, hepatic encephalopathy p= 0.007, hepatorenal syndrome p= 0.022, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis p= 0.049). finding in cirrhosis of liver. Lower serum sodium levels are associated with more severe disease and greater frequency and severity of complications.