Perturbations in sodium balance. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia

Perturbations of serum sodium concentration are the most common electrolyte abnormalities seen in clinical medicine. Patients may exhibit profound alterations in mental status or be asymptomatic. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment is essential to reducing morbidity from serum sodium abnormalities. This article reviews the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of hyponatremic and hypernatremic syndromes.