Postoperative hyponatremia after intracranial surgery, optimization of therapy

Abstract

Hyponatremia and fluid disturbance are commonly encountered irt I

neurosurg:•ca1 pati•ents; hyponatremi•a I•S'

often associ•ated WI•th worsem•ngI . I

of patient's neurological.

status. Hyponatremic neurosurgical .patients ihI

general suffer a higher incidence of delayed cerebral infarction than thos.b

with normal serum sodium values.

I

The treatment of hyponatremia is contr versial. Inefficie t I treatment may auginent fluid disturbance and worsen neurologidal I outcome. This emphasizes the need for proper monitoring of electrolYfes

of neurosurgical patients, and suitable treatment to optimize the outcobe I and limit operative complications. I I I The aim of this study was to identify hyponatrelnia in postoperative I

neurosurgical patients, and assess efficacy of treatment according o a

certain protocol. I I I This study was done on 30 patients admitted to neurosurfgical

intensive care unit of Alexandria University Hospital, after craniotoJy. I I The patients entering the study fulfilled following criteria: I

• Serum sodium< 135 mmoVL. I • Urine sodium > 20 mmoVL.