Investigating Hyponatremia Status and Interleukin 6 Concentration and Their Possible Relationship in COVID-19 Patients Compared to Healthy People

Abstract

Background: Systemic inflammation is associated with severe coronavirus disease. Hyponatremia can be caused by inflammation related to non-osmotic stimuli. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate hyponatremia status and interleukin 6 concentration as well as their possible relationship in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy people. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 COVID-19 patients and 24 healthy individuals referred to hospitals in Hamadan were included in the study in order to evaluate the relationship between hyponatremia and inflammation. The study was conducted after receiving ethical approval and informed consent from the participants. Complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers, electrolytes, creatinine, liver enzymes, ferritin, albumin, and D-dimer were measured using Selectra-Pro XI autoanalyzer, Pars Azmoun kits, and Human Interleukin 6 ELISA Kit Catalog MBS760693. All analyses were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: In this study, there was no statistically significant difference in age and gender between 24 healthy people and 24 participating patients (P>0.05). The level of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus was significantly decreased in patients with COVID-19 compared to controls (P<0.001). The level of inflammatory markers, ferritin, albumin, D-dimer, and liver enzymes in the patient group was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a higher incidence of hyponatremia and an increased level of interleukin-6 in COVID-19 patients. It seems that the use of strategies to reduce inflammation will help in the proper management of the disease.