Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Oxytocin-induced water intoxication. A case report.

F J Muller, R Van Zyl-Smit

    South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
    |August 31, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    This case report describes a rare but serious complication of oxytocin use: water intoxication. The patient developed dangerously low sodium levels after receiving the drug. The condition resolved after stopping oxytocin and managing fluid intake. The authors emphasize the need for awareness and monitoring to prevent similar cases. They do not propose new treatments but highlight the importance of existing best practices. The report serves as a reminder of the potential risks of oxytocin therapy. Understanding the drug's effects on water balance is key to safe use. The findings support the need for education and vigilance in clinical settings. Preventing this condition requires careful patient selection and monitoring.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    E-cigarette, cannabis, hookah and tobacco use patterns in fee-paying South African high schools.

    South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·2026
    Same author

    High-flow nasal oxygen in resource-constrained, non-intensive, high-care wards for COVID-19 acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: Comparing outcomes of the first v. third waves at a tertiary centre in South Africa.

    African journal of thoracic and critical care medicine·2024
    Same author

    Search for B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] Decays Using an Inclusive Tagging Method at Belle II.

    Physical review letters·2021
    Same author

    South African Thoracic Society statement on obstructive airways disease and COVID-19.

    African journal of thoracic and critical care medicine·2021
    Same author

    Search for Axionlike Particles Produced in e^{+}e^{-} Collisions at Belle II.

    Physical review letters·2020
    Same author

    Search for an Invisibly Decaying Z^{'} Boson at Belle II in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}(e^{±}μ^{∓}) Plus Missing Energy Final States.

    Physical review letters·2020

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology and metabolic disorders
    • Clinical toxicology
    • Pharmacology of peptide hormones

    Background:

    Hyponatremia due to water intoxication remains a clinical challenge in hospital settings. While many causes are well-documented, oxytocin-induced cases are rare but carry high risk. Prior research has shown that oxytocin can influence water balance through antidiuretic effects. However, the precise mechanisms linking oxytocin to water intoxication remain unclear. No prior work had resolved the full clinical picture of this condition. This gap motivated a closer examination of a specific case. Understanding the interplay between oxytocin and water regulation is essential for safe clinical practice. The rarity of the condition makes it difficult to generalize findings. A case-based analysis offers insights into prevention and management strategies.

    Purpose Of The Study:

    This case report aims to highlight the risks of oxytocin-induced water intoxication. The specific problem is the underappreciated danger of this condition in clinical settings. Oxytocin is commonly used in obstetrics and gynecology, yet its potential to cause water intoxication is often overlooked. The motivation stems from the need to improve awareness among healthcare providers. Preventing iatrogenic harm requires understanding both the drug and its side effects. This case provides a real-world example of the condition's progression. The study does not propose new treatment protocols but emphasizes existing best practices. The goal is to reduce preventable complications through better education and monitoring.

    Keywords:
    Oxytocin complicationsHyponatremia treatmentDrug-induced water intoxicationClinical case study

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The researchers propose that oxytocin may increase antidiuretic hormone activity, reducing water excretion.

    The case suggests that tracking sodium levels can help detect early signs of hyponatremia.

    The authors suggest that oxytocin may enhance water retention, especially in vulnerable patients.

    The case shows that limiting fluid intake helped correct electrolyte imbalances.

    The report notes confusion and altered mental status as key signs of severe cases.

    Related Experiment Videos

    Main Methods:

    The researchers analyzed a single case of oxytocin-induced water intoxication. Clinical data were collected from medical records and patient history. Laboratory results, including serum sodium levels, were reviewed. The timeline of oxytocin administration and symptom onset was mapped. Management strategies were evaluated for adherence to established guidelines. No experimental interventions were conducted as part of this report. The case was compared to existing literature on similar conditions. The focus was on identifying contributing factors and preventable errors.

    Main Results:

    The patient developed severe hyponatremia following oxytocin administration. Serum sodium levels dropped to critically low levels within hours. Symptoms included confusion and altered mental status. The condition resolved after discontinuing oxytocin and implementing fluid restriction. No permanent neurological damage was observed. The case highlights the rapid onset of symptoms in susceptible individuals. Management required close monitoring and electrolyte correction. The report emphasizes the importance of early recognition and intervention.

    Conclusions:

    The authors propose that oxytocin-induced water intoxication is preventable with proper monitoring. They suggest that clinicians should be aware of the drug's antidiuretic effects. The case supports the need for individualized dosing and patient selection. No new treatment guidelines are introduced in this report. The findings align with existing literature on oxytocin's pharmacological profile. The authors stress the importance of hydration monitoring during therapy. They suggest that education on this condition can reduce iatrogenic harm. The report concludes that vigilance is key to preventing serious complications.

    The authors suggest that education and monitoring can prevent iatrogenic harm from oxytocin.