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Updated: May 23, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Published on: August 1, 2018

Hyponatremia in cirrhosis.

Samuel H Sigal¹

¹Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York 10016, USA. Samuel.sigal@nyumc.org

Journal of Hospital Medicine

|April 11, 2012

Summary

Hyponatremia, or low sodium, is very common in cirrhosis patients, affecting nearly half of those surveyed. This condition often worsens with factors like portal hypertension and diuretics, complicating patient care.

Area of Science:

Hepatology
Nephrology
Internal Medicine

Background:

Hyponatremia is a frequent complication in patients diagnosed with cirrhosis.
The prevalence of hyponatremia is significant, particularly in advanced stages of liver disease.

Observation:

A survey of 997 cirrhosis patients revealed that 49.4% had serum sodium levels below 135 mEq/L, with 21.6% below 130 mEq/L.
Factors contributing to hyponatremia include portal hypertension, diuretic use, large volume paracentesis without albumin, infections, and polypharmacy.

Findings:

Hyponatremia severity correlates directly with the presence of severe cirrhosis complications.
These complications include hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

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Published on: June 18, 2020

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Published on: August 1, 2018

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Published on: June 18, 2020

Implications:

The presence of hyponatremia complicates the clinical management of cirrhotic patients.
Understanding these associations is crucial for improving patient outcomes and treatment strategies in liver disease.