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Hyponatraemia in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, North District, Taichung, Taiwan.
International Journal of Clinical Practice
|February 19, 2009
Summary
Hyponatraemia (low sodium) affects nearly a quarter of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients. Hypertension and nasogastric tube use are key risk factors, necessitating early detection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hyponatraemia is frequently observed in patients with hydrocephalus.
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition where fluid buildup in the brain causes neurological symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyponatraemia in patients with NPH.
- To identify risk factors associated with hyponatraemia in NPH patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 146 NPH patients admitted between 1998 and 2006.
- Hyponatraemia defined as plasma sodium < 135 mEq/l.
- Statistical analysis including Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of hyponatraemia was 22.6% (33 out of 146 patients).
- Hyponatraemia was significantly associated with hypertension, nasogastric tube use, bed-ridden status, and fever.
- Multivariate analysis identified hypertension (OR 2.604) and nasogastric tube use (OR 7.179) as significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Hyponatraemia is a common complication in NPH patients.
- Physicians should consider early laboratory testing for hyponatraemia in NPH patients.
- Awareness of risk factors like hypertension and NG tube use can aid in early detection.
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