Alterations in Exchangeable Sodium Content, "Sodium 24 Space" and Body Weight During The Treatment of Congestive Failure

Abstract

Serial determinations of the exchangeable sodium content and sodium 24 (Na 24 ) space were made by the radioisotope dilution method in patients with congestive failure during the course of intensive therapy. In most instances, the decrease in body weight was too great to be accounted for solely on the basis of the change in sodium 24 space or exchangeable sodium content. This excess weight loss is attributed to loss of intracellular fluid.