[Osmolality problems]

This is a survey about all factors influencing the osmotic pressure. The actual osmotic pressure in the plasma of healthy individuals is regulated essentially by the natrium ions and the corresponding anions. The one exception is the dysfunctioning diabetes mellitus with distinctly advanced hyperglycaemia. Syndromes with an accompanying azotemia demonstrate a seeming hyperosmolality as long as the osmotic pressure is measured or calculated by the customary method. The real and present osmotic condition can only be calculated when the blood urea concentration is no longer considered. It is proposed that the term "corrected osmolality" be used for the values determined in this manner.