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[Pseudohyponatremia in multiple myeloma (author's transl)]
Klinische Wochenschrift
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Multiple myeloma patients often show low serum sodium, but this study reveals it's a falsely low reading due to high blood viscosity, not true hyponatremia. This finding means no treatment is necessary for this specific condition.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy.
- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia, can occur in multiple myeloma patients.
- The diagnostic methods for serum electrolytes may be affected by altered blood properties in this condition.
Purpose:
- To investigate the frequency and underlying mechanisms of serum electrolyte alterations in multiple myeloma.
- To determine if observed hyponatremia in multiple myeloma is a true clinical condition or an artifact.
- To assess the role of serum viscosity and water content in these alterations.
Summary:
- This study examined serum electrolytes in 15 multiple myeloma patients, finding asymptomatic hyponatremia in 7.
- Significantly lower serum water and higher serum viscosity were observed compared to healthy controls.
- A strong negative correlation between sodium concentration and viscosity was identified, indicating a viscosity-dependent artifact in measurement.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that the hyponatremia observed in multiple myeloma is often a 'feigned hyponatremia' caused by measurement methodology.
- This clarifies that the decreased serum sodium concentration in multiple myeloma typically requires no therapeutic intervention.
- Highlights the importance of considering blood viscosity in the interpretation of electrolyte levels in specific patient populations.