Frequency and Outcome of Hyponatremia among Elderly Patients

Abstract

It is widely recognized that eight physiological alterations make elderly people more susceptible to contracting hyponatremia. The frequency and outcome of this condition however, seldom studied and thus merits exploration. Objective: To study the frequency and outcome of hyponatremia among elderly patients. Methods: The present descriptive case series was conducted from on a group of 207 consented elderly individuals of both sexes at Liaquat university hospital. A survey contains questions about biographical information, socio-demographics, the existence and degree of hyponatremia. The chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between hyponatremia and outcome. The data were analyzed with SPSS version-21.0. Results: Males made up 61.8% of the sample, while females made up the remaining 38.2%. The average length of hospitalization was five days (±3 SD). Hyponatremia was present among 59 (28.5%) of the inpatients (43 males and 16 females), out of which a majority (45) recovered and 11 died while the chronic liver disease and diabetes mellitus were common comorbid observed in relation to hyponatremia among elderly population. Conclusions: Hyponatremia exists in a substantial proportion of geriatric patients, as determined by meticulous examination and the condition may lead to adverse outcomes.