Severe Hyponatremia From Water Intoxication Associated With Preparation for a Urine Flow Study

Abstract

To discuss the natural history and impact of hyponatremia secondary to water intoxication in the setting of a urine flow study. Case report and literature review. An 82 year old male developed severe hyponatraemia following preparation for a urine flow study as part of ongoing follow up of lower urinary tract symptoms. He was admitted to an intensive care unit after developing acute confusion with sodium of 114 mmol/L and discharged after his symptoms improved with slow correction of his sodium level. There are few reports in the literature of this event and no consensus guidelines on safe preparation for flow studies or other imaging modalities requiring pre-procedural fluid hydration. Patients with medications or conditions predisposing to hyponatremia are at higher risk of adverse events when overhydration occurs. Hyponatremia is a major adverse outcome of urine flow studies. Wider reporting of this condition is required to improve awareness of its effects and develop consensus guidelines on preventing its occurrence.




J Med Cases. 2012;3(2):123-125
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc498w