The Correlation of Hyponatremia with Neurological Features in Adult Patients Admitted in an ICU Setting in a Tertiary Care Centre
Background: Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte abnormality worldwide, presenting at even higher rates in the ICU setting. It is one of the leading causes of metabolic encephalopathy and can present with a myriad of neurological features. It is defined by a serum sodium level 60 years (31.1%). Disorientation (41.11%) was the most common neurological features followed by drowsiness (31.11%).Maximum number (48.7%) of patients having mild hyponatremia were asymptomatic. At presentation, most had a normal Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score (28.89%) followed by moderate cognitive impairment (27.78%), GCS scores ≥13 was seen in 56.67% population followed by GCS 9-12 (41.11 %). 2 (2.2%) patients succumbed in the study population. Conclusion: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the older age group. It is one of the leading causes of metabolic encephalopathy. As it can be asymptomatic in the initial stages, and is treatable, it should evaluated in all patients with subtle as well as overt neurological signs to prevent further neurological deterioration. MMSE scoring is a useful tool for neurological assessment in hyponatremia.