Cerebral Salt-Wasting Syndrome: Diagnosis by Urine Sodium Excretion.

Background: Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS) was initially described over 60 years ago in hyponatremic patients with a cerebral lesion. However, the diagnostic criteria for CSWS have not been fully established. Thus, when hyponatremia is observed in patients with CSWS, they may be misdiagnosed as having the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP)-associated hyponatremia and brain damage: a case series.

Background: Desmopressin (DDAVP) is typically prescribed for central diabetes insipidus, von Willebrands disease and for enuresis. DDAVP-associated hyponatremia is a known complication of DDAVP therapy. The currently recommended treatment for this condition calls for discontinuing DDAVP as part of the initial therapy.

Influence of hypoxia and sex on hyponatremic encephalopathy.

Over the past 20 years it has become increasingly apparent that hyponatremic encephalopathy is a major cause of inhospital morbidity and mortality, particularly in postoperative patients. The factors that may lead to death or permanent brain damage and the susceptible patient groups have been gradually elucidated. Hyponatremic encephalopathy most commonly leads to brain damage in young women and in prepubescent children.

Effects of erythropoietin on left ventricular hypertrophy in adults with severe chronic renal failure and hemoglobin <10 g/dL.

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) frequently complicates chronic renal insufficiency. Anemia is also common in these patients and may contribute to LVH.

Methods: We conducted an open-label interventional trial to evaluate the effect of recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in anemic patients with renal insufficiency.