Study of the Spectrum of Hyponatraemia among elderly Patients in the Emergency Department of a tertiary Care referral Centre in Uttar Pradesh

Dr.Vishvanayak; Dr. B. Kumar

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

Study of the Spectrum of Hyponatraemia among elderly Patients in the Emergency Department of a tertiary Care referral Centre in Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Vishvanayak, Dr. B. Kumar

Abstract :

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance encountered in elderly patients. A study of 200 internal medicine patients aged ≥ 65 years presenting to the emergency department between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 was performed to assess hyponatraemia and its prognostic significance. Twenty eight patients (12.6%) were hyponatraemic at presentation to the emergency department. The main causes were the use of diuretics, GI fluid loss, infections and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Hyponatraemia, a common electrolyte disturbance among elderly internal medicine patients presenting to the emergency department, was associated with higher admission rates, longer hospital stay, and higher mortality rates.