Frequency and Origin of Dysnatremias in the Emergency Department

Frequency and Origin of Dysnatremias in the Emergency Department

Hypo- and hypernatremia are the most frequent electrolyte disorders found in hospitalized patients. The increasing use of diuretics and other medications influencing the water and sodium homeostasis potentially lead to a rise in the prevalence of the electrolyte disorders. Only little data is available on the frequency and the mechanisms leading to hypo-/hypernatremia.

Thus, the investigators aim to A.) determine the frequency of hypo- and hypernatremia in the emergency department of a large tertiary university hospital and B.) explore the mechanisms leading to the development of dysnatremias by detailed clinical and laboratory examinations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Serum sodium below 135 mmol/L (i.e. hyponatremia); serum sodium exceeding 145 mmol/L (hypernatremia)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients below age 18 years; patients declining study participation.