Hyponatremia in patients with infectious diseases

J Infect. 2011 Nov;63(5):327-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2011.07.013. Epub 2011 Aug 2.

Abstract

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia may not infrequently be present during the course of an infection, does not cause specific symptoms and may be overlooked by clinicians. Nonetheless, it may reflect the severity of the underlying process. This review focuses on the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of hyponatremia associated with infectious diseases. In the majority of cases, the fall in serum sodium concentration is of multifactorial origin owing to increased secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone either appropriately or inappropriately. Inadvertent administration of fluids may worsen hyponatremia and prolong morbidity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / complications
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / etiology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Communicable Diseases / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / chemically induced
  • Hyponatremia / etiology*
  • Hyponatremia / mortality
  • Inappropriate ADH Syndrome / complications
  • Sodium / blood
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / complications*
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Sodium