Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection
Published on: April 12, 2024
Urea for hyponatremia?
Richard H Sterns1, Stephen M Silver1, John K Hix1
11] Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA [2] Department of Nephrology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Once the standard of care for cerebral edema, urea can also be used to treat hyponatremia. The 2014 European Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend urea for the treatment of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, while discouraging use of vasopressin antagonists. Although there is evidence that urea can diminish hypertonic injury to brain cells caused by rapid correction of hyponatremia, clinical trials are needed that include patients at high risk to develop complications from overcorrection.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
Regulation of Sodium and Potassium
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily...
Regulation of Water Intake
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

