HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED HYPONATREMIA AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY

Abstract

Background: Hyponatremia, which is characterized by a serum sodium concentration below 135 mmol/L, represents a prevalent and serious challenge in hospitalized patients. The condition can result from a complex interplay between acute illnesses, chronic health conditions, and the interventions applied during hospital stays. It is particularly common in critical care environments, where it complicates the clinical course and can lead to severe, life-threatening symptoms. Methods: Employing a retrospective observational design, the study examined medical records from 200 patients admitted to the internal medicine wards and the ICU. Data collected included demographic information, clinical data, laboratory results, and patient outcomes such as length of hospital stay, ICU admissions, mortality, and complications. The incidence of hyponatremia was calculated and logistic regression was used to analyze its association with mortality and morbidity, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, and underlying health conditions. Results: Out of the 200 patients studied, 80 developed hyponatremia, giving an incidence rate of 40%. The condition was more prevalent in the ICU, with 60% of cases occurring in this setting. The average age of patients with hyponatremia was 68 years, with females making up 55% of these cases. Hyponatremia was significantly associated with higher mortality rates—25% in hyponatremic patients versus 10% in non-hyponatremic patients. It also correlated with longer hospital stays and a higher rate of ICU admissions. The most common complications in hyponatremic patients were acute kidney injury and pulmonary edema. Conclusion: The study shows the high incidence and significant impact of hyponatremia on patient outcomes in hospital settings, particularly in intensive care units. It highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive management of hyponatremia to mitigate its effects on mortality and morbidity. The findings suggest that targeted interventions to manage and prevent hyponatremia could substantially improve the quality of patient care and reduce hospital-related complications. Further research involving multicenter studies and prospective designs is recommended to confirm these results and explore effective management strategies.