Managing hyponatremia in cirrhosis

J Hosp Med. 2010 Jul-Aug:5 Suppl 3:S8-17. doi: 10.1002/jhm.784.

Abstract

The development of hyponatremia represents an ominous event in the progression of cirrhosis to end-stage liver disease. It usually develops in those with refractory ascites and is a manifestation of the non-osmotic release of arginine vasopressin (AVP). In the hospitalized cirrhotic patient, hyponatremia is associated with increased disease severity and mortality. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of hyponatremia, its clinical implications, evaluation, and treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists
  • Benzazepines / pharmacology
  • Benzazepines / therapeutic use
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / diagnosis
  • Hyponatremia / epidemiology*
  • Hyponatremia / therapy*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis / epidemiology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / therapy*
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Receptors, Vasopressin / metabolism
  • Tolvaptan

Substances

  • Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists
  • Benzazepines
  • Receptors, Vasopressin
  • Tolvaptan