ECE2020 Audio ePoster Presentations Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition (285 abstracts)
1University College Cork, Medicine, Cork, Ireland; 2Bons Secours Hospital Group, Endocrinology, Cork, Ireland
Introduction: Hyponatraemia (serum sodium <136 mmol/l) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. International guidelines suggest a clear algorithm for investigation, inclusive of measurements of paired urine sodium and osmolality, thyroid function tests and a morning cortisol. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the assessment, management and clinical outcomes associated with hyponatraemia on hospital admission.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted from 03/09/2018-03/10/2018, and follow-up data was collected six months thereafter. Information was garnered on hyponatraemic admissions through a combined review of patient charts and the hospital’s laboratory database.
Results: Of the 418 patients admitted, 75 (18%, 35 male, 40 female) had hyponatraemia, with a mean age of 74 years (
Conclusions: Hyponatraemia was a highly prevalent condition on admission which was largely under investigated; laboratory tests recommended by current expert guidelines were underutilised, and specialist advice was rarely sought. Management was also suboptimal; significant proportions were discharged without measurement or correction of serum sodium concentrations. Hyponatraemia was ultimately associated with a 4.5-fold excess in mortality at six months post-discharge. These findings emphasise the need for the development of Irish guidelines and the introduction of electronic alert systems to improve hospital practice.