Hyponatremic Dehydration
Elisabeth Fandrich
March 3, 2008
Hyponatremic Dehydration
based on sodium levels. If water and sodium are lost relatively equally, it is called
dehydration cases.
The underlying reasons for hyponatremic dehydration are often not known, as was the
dehydration are less than adequate fluid intake, excessive urine output, diarrhea,
Antidiuretic Hormone).
Patients are usually asymptomatic until their serum sodium falls below 125 mmol/L or if
sodium levels decline rapidly. As of March 4, 2008, W,T,3512 had a serum sodium level
of 127 mmol/L and appeared asymptomatic upon assessment. At that point (125
mmol/L), symptoms that will develop are nausea, lethargy, confusion and headache. In
severely hyponatremic patients, seizures, coma, brain damage and death may occur.
Diagnoses is based on history and physical as well as labs, most notably, serum sodium.
To treat hyponatremic dehydration, the underlying cause (if known) must be treated. 5%
dextrose in 0.9% NaCl is used as a replacement fluid. The amount of the sodium in the
Hyponatremic Dehydration 3
replacement fluid is adjusted in order to allow sodium levels to rise slowly. Rapid
increase of sodium can cause central pontine myelinolysis (destruction of the myelin
Sources
Ellsbury, MD, FAAP, Dan (March 30, 2006). Dehydration. eMedicine from webMD,
General OneFile (September 21, 2007). Clinical Review: Hyponatremia. GP: 29Gale.
http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodld=ITOF