Hyponatremia effect in patients with alcohol dependence on their physical and mental health status.

Abstract

Hyponatremia, i.e. reduction of sodium level in the blood plasma below 135mmol/L, is one of the most common electrolyte disorders occurring in people addicted to alcohol. Numerous psychopathological symptoms may be significantly associated with its occurrence. Since sodium is one of the main bioelements, which is responsible for proper neuromuscular excitability maintenance and contributes in nerve impulses conduction, sodium balance disorders may be related to a risk to basic life functions. The tested group included 100 alcohol dependent patients (M=90, F=10). Sodium was determined using biochemical Indiko Plus analyzer. Analysis of sodium concentration demonstrated that 64% of people with alcohol dependence had low (<135mmol/L) plasma sodium level, of which: 7% had severe hyponatremia (<120mmol/L), 13% had moderate hyponatremia (120-130mmol/L) and 44% had mild hyponatremia (130-135mmol/L). The analysis showed an occurrence of significant differences in terms of: impulsivity, quality of life, clinical symptoms occurrence, maximum amount of alcohol consumed and general health state. The lower concentration of sodium in blood plasma in alcohol dependent people, the worse psychical and psychological quality of their life.