Prevalence and Determinants of Hyponatremia in Hospitalized Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai

TL;DR

This study found that nearly 30% of hospitalized patients in Mumbai had low sodium levels, with elderly men being most affected and multiple health conditions contributing to the issue.

Contribution

The study provides updated prevalence data and identifies key demographic and clinical factors for hyponatremia in an Indian hospital setting.

Findings

Hyponatremia prevalence was 29.36% among hospitalized patients.

Elderly patients over 60 years and males were most commonly affected.

Common causes included liver disease, endocrine disorders, and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.

Abstract

Background

Hyponatremia is frequently observed as one of the most common electrolyte imbalances in hospitalized patients. Several medical conditions and factors may contribute to the development of hyponatremia, and it is intricately linked with a spectrum of adverse outcomes within clinical settings.

Methodology

This prospective, observational study was designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients. Patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted for >24 hours in the ward during the study duration of six months were screened for hyponatremia. In total, 355 patients were studied, of whom four were lost to follow-up.

Results

Our study found the prevalence rate of hyponatremia to be approximately 29.36%. The majority of patients were elderly (>60 years) (215/48.72%) and male (201/58.40%). The most common diagnosis leading to hyponatremia was found to be multifactorial, with an interplay of various disorders, additional comorbidities, and/or drugs such as diuretics. Patients were also commonly diagnosed with liver diseases (48/13.68%), endocrine disorders (47/13.39%), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (46/13.11%). There was no significant difference in the length of stay among mild, moderate, and severe hyponatremia groups (p = 0.67).

Conclusions

Our study confirms a significant prevalence of hyponatremia in Indian hospital settings. Elderly individuals are most affected, emphasizing the importance of understanding age-related factors. Disease distribution varies by gender, indicating the necessity of tailored approaches. Severity of hyponatremia correlates with mortality risk, emphasizing the need for timely interventions.

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