Low Serum Sodium Levels Research Articles

Predictors of 1‑year mortality in ambulatory patients with advanced heart failure awaiting heart transplant.

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome involving diverse pathways and pathological processes that can manifest themselves in circulation as abnormal levels of various biomarkers. The aim of the study was to assess the factors associated with a worse prognosis in patients with advanced HF awaiting heart transplant during a 1‑year follow‑up. We prospectively assessed the data of 203 adult patients with advanced HF, who were hospitalized at our institution between 2016 and 2018. The study end point was all‑cause death during a 1‑year follow‑up. The median age of patients was 57 years (range, 52-60); 87.7% of patients were male. During follow‑up, 62 patients (30.5%) died. Serum levels of procalcitonin (hazard ratio [HR], 1.027; 95% CI, 1.020-1.034; P <0.001; per 10‑unit increase), high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP; HR, 1.099; 95% CI, 1.016-1.883; P = 0.02; per 1‑unit increase), sodium (HR, 1.171; 95% CI, 1.076-1.272; P <0.001; per 1 ‑unit increase), and N ‑terminal pro-B ‑type natriuretic peptide (NT ‑proBNP; HR, 1.068; 95% CI, 1.033-1.105; P <0.001; per 1000‑unit increase) were independent risk factors for mortality. Procalcitonin generated the largest area under the curve (0.780; 95% CI, 0.712-0.848). Our study showed that higher serum hs ‑CRP, NT‑proBNP, and procalcitonin levels and lower serum sodium levels were independent risk factors for death during a 1‑year follow‑up in patients with advanced HF. Procalcitonin showed the strongest predictive power, sensitivity, and specificity, allowing for an effective identification of 1‑year survivors and nonsurvivors awaiting heart transplant.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF 25 AND 50 μg DESMOPRESSIN ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS IN NOCTURIA DUE TO NOCTURNAL POLYURIA IN JAPANESE MALE PATIENTS

(Purpose) To conduct a prospective study on the efficacy and safety of desmopressin for nocturnal polyuria. (Materials and methods) We selected 51 Japanese men, aged ≥50 years, with complaints of nocturia and a nocturnal polyuria index of ≥0.33. We administered 25 or 50 μg desmopressin (Minirinmelt Orally Disintegrating Tablet®), once daily at bedtime. We evaluated the nighttime urinary frequency and urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index, time to the first urination after falling asleep, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after administration. In addition, they underwent clinical examinations and blood tests at 1, 4, and 12 weeks to evaluate the safety of the drug. (Results) We observed a decrease in the nighttime urinary frequency and urine volume, and nocturnal polyuria index, increased prolonged time to the first urination after falling asleep, and improved IPSS at and after 4 weeks, compared to baseline data. Furthermore, the drug remained effective even at 12 weeks for all parameters. We observed adverse events in 31.3% of the patients. The incidence of hyponatraemia was particularly high in 15.7% of the patients. Those with a lower serum sodium level and lesser body weight at baseline were more likely to develop hyponatraemia. (Conclusion) Desmopressin was identified as a potential drug for the treatment of nocturnal polyuria. However, hyponatraemia, an important adverse event, resulted in treatment discontinuation in several patients. A sodium level lower than the normal level and low body weight at baseline were the risk factors for hyponatraemia.

Exploration of predictors of benefit from nivolumab monotherapy for patients with pretreated advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer: post hoc subanalysis from the ATTRACTION-2 study

BackgroundThe phase 3 ATTRACTION-2 study demonstrated that nivolumab monotherapy was superior to placebo for patients with pretreated advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer, but early progression of tumors in some patients was of concern.MethodsThis post hoc analysis statistically explored the baseline characteristics of the ATTRACTION-2 patients and extracted a single-factor and double-factor combinations associated with early disease progression or early death. In the extracted patient subgroups, the 3-year restricted mean survival times of progression-free survival and overall survival were compared between the nivolumab and placebo arms.ResultsTwo single factors (age and peritoneal metastasis) were extracted as independent predictors of early progression, but none of them, as a single factor, stratified patients into two subgroups with significant differences in restricted mean survival time. In contrast, two double-factor combinations (serum sodium level and white blood cell count; serum sodium level and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio) stratifying patients into two subgroups with significant differences in the restricted mean survival time were extracted. Additional exploratory analysis of a triple-factor combination showed that patients aged < 60 years with peritoneal metastasis and low serum sodium levels (approximately 7% of all patients) might receive less benefit from nivolumab, and patients aged ≥ 60 years with no peritoneal metastasis and normal serum sodium levels might receive higher benefit.ConclusionsA combination of age, peritoneal metastasis, and serum sodium level might predict benefit from nivolumab as salvage therapy in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer patients, especially less benefit for patients having all three risk factors.

Independent Determinants of Appetite Impairment among Patients with Stage 3 or Higher Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Study.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is an important complication resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Appetite impairment contributes significantly to PEW in these patients, but risk factors associated with having appetite impairment in patients with CKD remain elusive. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for ≥2 times at least three months apart were prospectively enrolled during 2017, with their demographic features, comorbidities, anthropometric parameters, physical and performance indices, functional status, frailty, sensory organ integrity, and laboratory data collected. Their appetite status was measured using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ). We examined independent determinants of appetite impairment in these CKD patients using multiple regression analyses. Among 78 patients with CKD, 42.3% had CNAQ-identified impaired appetite. Those with an impaired appetite also had poorer physical performance, a higher degree of functional impairment, higher frail severities, lower serum sodium levels, less intact oral cavity, and a trend toward having less intact nasal structures than those without. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a higher frail severity, in the forms of increasing Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) scores (odds ratio (OR), 2.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–6.57) and a less intact nasal structure (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92–0.995) were associated with a higher probability of having an impaired appetite, while higher serum sodium (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.6–0.97) correlated with a lower probability. Based on our findings, in patients with CKD, the severity of frailty, serum sodium, and nasal structural integrity might modify appetite status. Therapies targeting these factors might be beneficial for appetite restoration in patients with CKD.

Relationship between Hyponatremia and Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes.

Objectives Hyponatremia is a common complication of diabetes. However, the relationship between serum sodium level and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between low serum sodium level and DPN in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 1928 patients with type 2 diabetes between 2010 and 2018. The multivariate test was used to analyze the relationship between the serum sodium level and the nerve conduction function. A restricted cubic spline was used to flexibly model and visualize the relationship between the serum sodium level and DPN, followed by logistic regression with adjustment. Results As the serum sodium level increased, the prevalence of DPN had a reverse J-curve distribution with the serum sodium levels (69.6%, 53.7%, 49.6%, 43.9%, and 49.7%; P = 0.001). Significant differences existed between the serum sodium level and the motor nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve conduction velocity, part of compound muscle action potential, and sensory nerve action potential of the participants. Compared with hyponatremia, the higher serum sodium level was a relative lower risk factor for DPN after adjusting for several potential confounders (OR = 0.430, 95%CI = 0.220–0.841; OR = 0.386, 95%CI = 0.198–0.755; OR = 0.297, 95%CI = 0.152–0.580; OR = 0.376, 95%CI = 0.190–0.743; all P < 0.05). Compared with low-normal serum sodium groups, the high-normal serum sodium level was also a risk factor for DPN (OR = 0.690, 95%CI = 0.526–0.905, P = 0.007). This relationship was particularly apparent in male participants, those aged <65 years, those with a duration of diabetes of <10 years, and those with a urinary albumin − to − creatinine ratio (UACR) < 30 mg/g. Conclusions Low serum sodium levels were independently associated with DPN, even within the normal range of the serum sodium. We should pay more attention to avoid the low serum sodium level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Impact of Healthcare Associated Infections on Survival and Treatment Outcomes Among End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy.

Background: Due to frequent hospitalizations, complex dialysis procedures and immune compromising effects of end stage renal disease (ESRD), patients on dialysis are more prone to healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Objective: To study the impact of HCAIs on survival and treatment outcomes among ESRD patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Methodology: A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted from June to December 2019 at two public hospitals of Malaysia. ESRD patients with minimum of 6 months on RRT were included, while pregnant patients and patients <18 years were excluded. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Kaplan Meier analysis was performed to study the survival. Results: A total of 670 records were examined, of which 400 patients were included as per the inclusion criteria. The mean survival time of patients without HCAIs [22.7 (95%CI:22.1–23.2)] was higher than the patients with HCAIs [19.9 (95%CI:18.8–20.9)]. Poor survival was seen in patients with >2 comorbidities, >60 years of age, low hemoglobin concentration and high C-reactive protein levels. The most frequent treatment outcome was cured [113 (64.9%)], followed by death [37 (21.3%)] and treatment failure [17 (9.8%)]. Advancing age, and low hemoglobin concentration were independent risk factors associated with death, while recurrent HCAIs, use of central venous catheters, and low serum sodium levels were risk factors for treatment failure. Conclusion: The high burden of HCAIs is a profound challenge faced by patients on RRT, which not only effects the treatment outcomes but also contributes substantially to the poor survival among these patients.

Quantification and Explanation of the Variability of First-Dose Amikacin Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department: A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis.

There may be a difference between the determinants of amikacin exposure in emergency department (ED) versus intensive care (ICU) patients, and the peak amikacin concentration varies widely between patients. Moreover, when the first dose of antimicrobials is administered to septic patients admitted to the ED, fluid resuscitation and vasopressors have just been initiated. Nevertheless, population pharmacokinetic modelling data for amikacin in ED patients are unavailable. The aim of this study was to quantify the interindividual variability (IIV) in the pharmacokinetics of amikacin in patients admitted to the ED and to identify the patient characteristics that explain this IIV. Patients presenting at the ED with severe sepsis or septic shock were randomly assigned to receive amikacin 25 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg intravenously. Blood samples were collected at 1, 6 and 24 h after the onset of the first amikacin infusion. Data were analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. A two-compartment population pharmacokinetic model was developed based on 279 amikacin concentrations from 97 patients. The IIV in clearance (CL) and central distribution volume (V1) were 71% and 26%, respectively. Body mass index (BMI), serum total protein level, serum sodium level, and fluid balance 24 h after amikacin administration explained 30% of the IIV in V1, leaving 18% of the IIV unexplained. BMI and creatinine clearance according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation 24 h after amikacin administration explained 46% of the IIV in CL, and 39% remained unexplained. The IIV of amikacin pharmacokinetics in ED patients is large. Higher doses may be considered in patients with low serum sodium levels, low total protein levels, or a high fluid balance. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365272.

Severe Hyponatremia due to Hypopituitarism Secondary to Empty Sella Syndrome

This case is about a 68 years old patient presented with worsening generalized weakness, dizziness, low mood and reduced appetite with the background history of gout and vitamin D deficiency. On general examination, the patient appeared very lethargic. However, the systemic examination was unremarkable. The vitals check showed a low blood pressure of 104/72 mm Hg. The investigations showed low levels of serum Sodium, Thyroid stimulating hormone, Cortisol. The short Synacthen test was abnormal. The anterior pituitary hormones level showed low levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and prolactin. CT head with contrast showed enlarged fluid filled pituitary fossa with fat. An MRI Pituitary gland showed an empty sella syndrome. The patient was hydrated initially and electrolytes were monitored regularly. Treated with hydrocortisone and thyroxine to which the patient responded and improved significantly. A follow-up appointment was arranged at endocrine clinic

The association between serum sodium level and tuberculous meningitis compared with viral and bacterial meningitis

We evaluated the association between hyponatremia and tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with the aim of providing additional information for differential diagnosis from other types of infectious meningitis, especially viral meningitis (VM). Cross-sectional and longitudinal data involving 5026 participants older than 18 years were analyzed in the total population and a propensity-matched population. The initial and lowest sodium levels and longitudinal changes in TBM, bacterial meningitis (BM), and VM patients were compared. Participants in the TBM group were enrolled when they were diagnosed as possible, probable, or definite TBM according to the Marais’ criteria. The initial serum sodium level was significantly lower in TBM patients than in BM and VM patients (136.9 ± 5.9 vs. 138.3 ± 4.7 mmol/L, p < 0.001 for TBM vs. BM, and 139.0 ± 3.1, p < 0.001 for TBM vs. VM), and it decreased significantly more steeply to lower levels in both the TBM and BM patients compared with VM patients. The lowest serum sodium level was in the order of TBM < BM < VM patients, and the change was statistically significant in all subgroups (131.8 ± 6.4, 133.1 ± 5.1, 137.4 ± 3.7, respectively, p < 0.001). Participants with lower serum sodium level were more likely to have a diagnosis of TBM rather than VM, and this association was more pronounced for the lowest sodium level than the initial sodium level [OR 4.6 (95% CI 2.4–8.8, p < 0.001)]. These findings indicate that baseline and longitudinal evaluation of serum sodium level can provide information for differential diagnosis of TBM from BM or VM.

Efficacy of Liver Resection for Single Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Child-Pugh A Cirrhosis: Analysis of a Nationwide Cancer Registry Database.

BackgroundTherapeutic strategies and good prognostic factors are important for patients with single large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study aimed to identify the prognostic factors in patients with single large HCC with good performance status and Child-Pugh A cirrhosis using a large national cancer registry database and to recommend therapeutic strategies.MethodsAmong 12139 HCC patients registered at the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry between 2008 and 2015, single large (≥ 5 cm) HCC patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 and Child-Pugh score A were selected.ResultsOverall, 466 patients were analyzed. The 1-,2-,3-, and 5-year survival rates after initial treatment were 84.9%, 71.0%, 60.1%, and 51.6%, respectively, and progression-free survival rates were 43.6%, 33.0%, 29.0%, and 26.8%, respectively. Platelet count < 100 × 109/L (P < 0.001), sodium level < 135 mmol/L (P = 0.002), maximum tumor diameter ≥ 10 cm (P = 0.001), and treatment other than resection (transarterial therapy vs. resection: P < 0.001, others vs. resection: P = 0.002) were significantly associated with poorer overall survival; sodium < 135 mmol/L (P = 0.015), maximum tumor diameter ≥ 10 cm (P < 0.001), and treatment other than resection (transarterial therapy vs. resection: P < 0.001, others vs. resection: P = 0.001) were independently associated with poorer progression-free survival.ConclusionResection as an initial treatment should be considered when possible, even in patients with single large HCC with good performance status and mild cirrhosis. Caution should be exercised in patients with low platelet level (< 100 × 109/L), low serum sodium level (< 135 mmol/L), and maximum tumor diameter ≥ 10 cm.

Mortality rates and risk factors in 1412 Japanese patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis: a retrospective long-term cohort study

BackgroundHepatitis C virus is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan. We aimed to examine the long-term (> 20 years) mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma rates and associated risk factors in 1412 Japanese patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis (Child–Pugh B or C).MethodsCumulative survival and hepatocellular carcinoma rates were determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Independent risk factors were identified by multivariate analysis. A two-tailed P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe patients were followed up for a median of 2 years (range 0.5–24.2 years). In total, 62.3%, 41.7%, 4.7%, and 68.3% of the patients had a history of hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and esophageal varices, respectively. The 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year cumulative overall survival rates in the total cohort was 74.9%, 29.0%, 9.1%, and 1.4%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative survival rates for patients without hepatocellular carcinoma were 93.1%, 54.4%, 18.2%, and 4.0%, respectively, and the corresponding cumulative post-decompensation hepatocellular carcinoma rates were 14.0%, 31.6%, 46.1%, and 66.2%, respectively. The independent risk factors for mortality were older age, Child–Pugh C cirrhosis, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, low estimated glomerular filtration rate, low serum sodium level, low platelet count, and high γ-glutamyl transferase and α-fetoprotein levels for all patients and older age, Child–Pugh C cirrhosis, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate for patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, 1035 patients (73.3%) died; the causes of death were liver failure with/without hepatocellular carcinoma, pneumonia, sepsis, cardiovascular disease, and non-hepatocellular carcinoma malignancies. The corresponding morality rates per person-year were 133.4, 59.9, 10.9, 10.6, 9.0, and 5.2, respectively.ConclusionsAmong Japanese patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with poor prognosis. Our results highlight the importance of managing liver-related events, including hepatocellular carcinoma, in these patients.

A 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study on Kawasaki disease in Iranian children: incidence, clinical manifestations, complications, and treatment patterns

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) as an acute, systemic vasculitis is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children under the age of 5 years.MethodsA 10-year cross-sectional retrospective study was designed to assess 190 Iranian children with KD during 2008–2018. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory manifestations from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and subsequent treatments were evaluated to predict hospitalization stay, complications, and response to treatment.ResultsChildren with KD had a male-to-female ratio of 1.18:1 and an average age of 36 months. There was an insignificantly more incidence of KD in cold seasons. The most frequent symptoms were fever (92.6%), oral mucus membrane changes (75.8%), bilateral bulbar conjunctival injection (73.7%), polymorphous skin rash (73.2%), peripheral extremity changes (63.7%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (60.0%). The rate of gastrointestinal, cardiac, joint, and hepatic complications was determined to be 38.4, 27.9, 6.8, and 4.2%, respectively. 89.5% of patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus aspirin as the first line of treatment, while, 16.3% of them needed an extra second line of treatment. Significantly low serum sodium levels and high platelet counts were detected in KD patients with cardiac complications. Cardiac complications often were more encountered in patients who did not respond to the first line of treatment. Higher platelet count, lower serum sodium amount, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were significantly associated with a need for an additive second line of treatment. A significant relationship between hospitalization stay and hemoglobin level was found.ConclusionAs most of the clinical manifestations and complications were following other reports released over the past few years, such data can be confidently used to diagnose KD in Iran. Seasonal incidence and a positive history of recent infection in a notable number of patients may provide clues to understand possible etiologies of KD. Laboratory markers can successfully contribute to health practitioners with the clinical judgment of the need for additional treatments, possible complications, and hospitalization duration.

Predictors of Survival in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A 10-Year Longitudinal Follow-Up Analysis

Background: Risk factors of mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients have not yet been sufficiently evaluated. In particular, chronological transits and interactions of the impact of risk factors have rarely been described. Methods: This study is a post hoc analysis of the participants in the Olme­sartan Clinical Trial in Okinawan Patients under OKIDS (OCTOPUS) study conducted between June 2006 and June 2011. We additionally followed up on the prognosis of the participants until July 31, 2018. Standardized univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the influences of the participants’ baseline characteristics on all-cause mortality. We also evaluated chronological changes in the impacts of risk factors, interactions among predictors, and the influence of missing values using sensitivity analyses. Results: Of the 469 original trial participants, 461 participants were evaluated. The median time of follow-up was 10.2 years. A total of 211 (45.8%) participants were deceased. The leading causes of death were infection (n = 72, 34.1%) and cardiovascular disease (n = 66, 31.3%). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the impact of diabetes mellitus, history of coronary intervention, and hypoalbuminemia were significant risk factors for mortality during the whole follow-up period. During the early follow-up period (≤3 years), standardized univariate Cox regression analyses revealed that history of amputation (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.61, p < 0.001), lower dry weight, higher cardiothoracic ratio, and lower potassium levels were statistically significant risks. In those who survived for longer than 3 years, a history of stroke (HR = 1.73, p = 0.006), higher systolic blood pressure, lower serum sodium levels, and higher levels of hemoglobin, and serum phosphate were significant risks. We also observed a stable interaction between the impacts of serum phosphate and albumin on all-cause mortality. Conclusion: In chronic hemodialysis patients, targets to improve the short-term prognosis and long-term prognosis are not equivalent. Hyperphosphatemia was a significant risk factor for the all-cause mortality among patients with normal serum albumin levels but not among patients with compromised albumin levels.

Development of diagnostic criteria and severity scale for polydipsia: A systematic literature review and well-experienced clinicians’ consensus

Despite the clinical importance of polydipsia, no diagnostic criteria or severity scales that comprehensively assess this condition are available. Thus, we aimed to develop diagnostic criteria and a severity scale for polydipsia based on a systematic review and well-experienced clinicians’ consensus. We performed a systematic review, identified 27 studies related to diagnostic criteria or severity classification for polydipsia, and extracted items used to assess polydipsia in these studies. Ten well-experienced clinicians—5 psychiatrists and 5 nurses—participated in the Delphi method. They evaluated 39 items extracted based on the results of the systematic review regarding (1) their necessity in diagnosing and assessing the severity of polydipsia, and (2) their relative importance rated on 7-point scale among the items included in the severity scale. The Polydipsia Diagnostic Criteria (PDC) included 4 essential items—excessive drinking, low serum sodium level or low serum osmolality, abnormal normalized diurnal weight gain, and low urine specific gravity—based on consensus reached using the Delphi method. The Polydipsia Severity Scale (PSS) included 13 items with a maximum score of 59. The first diagnostic criteria and symptom scale for polydipsia were developed based on the findings of a systematic review and well-experienced clinicians’ consensus.

Uzamış nöbet ve status epileptikus için risk faktörleri: tek merkez deneyimi

Objectives: To analyze the clinical features of prolonged seizures and status epilepticus and perform risk analysis on super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. Method: Demographic features, underlying etiologies, treatment modalities, electroencephalographic and neuroimaging outcome of intensive care unit admissions between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. Results: Seventy-one children were enrolled. The common etiology for prolonged seizure was fever in 45.1% of the children (central nervous system infection: 16.9%, infection other than central nervous system: 28.2%), withdrawal of the antiepileptic medication in 40.9%, intoxications in 12.7% of the children and intracranial hemorrhage due to arteriovenous malformation in one (1.4%) patient. Initial diagnostics exhibited 23.9% of hypoglycemia, 18.3% of hypocalcemia, 15.5% of hyponatremia, 35.2% of acidosis, and 25.4% of elevated lactate. Group categorizations were based on fever and new onset of seizure. Approximately 45.1% of the population acquired fever at the onset and consisted of younger children compared to their counterparts (p=0.023). Children with pre-existing epilepsy had frequent history of sibling death, while patients with new-onset of seizure possessed significant lactate elevations, acidosis, and required mechanical ventilation more often (p=0.002, p=0.008, p=0.017). Twelve (16.9%) patients developed SRSE. Low serum sodium and calcium levels were associated with developing SRSE (OR: 10.800, 95%CI: 2.518-46.318; OR: 4.554, 95%CI: 1.159-17.892); however PRISM-3 score has been identified the single independent risk factor in children proceeding to SRSE (OR: 1.174, 95% CI: 1.039-1.327). Three (4.2%) children died of secondary complications. Tracheostomy cannulation was performed in two (16.7%) SRSE patients due to neurological incapability to maintain a patent airway. Conclusion: PRISM-3 score is the independent risk factor of SRSE. Electrolyte abnormalities (hyponatremia and hypocalcemia) are associated with developing SRSE.

Prevalence of cerebral edema among diabetic ketoacidosis patients.

Cerebral edema (CE) is the most severe complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children. There is no accurate knowledge of CE pathogenesis and its onset has been related to intravenous rehydration therapy during the initial treatment. To estimate the prevalence of CE among DKA patients treated at Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde with intravenous rehydration and analyze potential risk factors for the development of CE. Cross-sectional prevalence study and exploratory analysis to compare clinical and laboratory characteristics between patients with and without CE. Patients aged 1-18 years hospitalized with the diagnosis of DKA between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2014 were included. A total of 693 DKA events from 561 medical records were analyzed. Ten patients had evidence of CE (1.44 %; 95 % confidence interval: 0.8-2.6). Patients with CE had higher serum urea levels (p &#60; 0.001), lower carbon dioxide pressure (p &#60; 0.001), and lower serum sodium levels (p &#60; 0.001) than those without CE. The prevalence of CE among DKA patients was 1.44 %, smaller than that reported in our country (1.8 %). The risk factors at admission associated with CE development were high serum urea levels, hyponatremia, and hypocapnia.

Evaluation of the relationship between linezolid exposure and hyponatremia

IntroductionAims of this study were (a) to assess the development ratio of hyponatremia during treatment with linezolid and (b) to evaluate the relationship between the risk of hyponatremia and linezolid exposure and patient background. MethodClinical data including linezolid serum concentrations and serum sodium values were collected at Toyama University Hospital and Kyorin University Hospital. Data from 89 patients were used for the analysis, and a nadir serum sodium level ≤130 mmol/L during the treatment with linezolid was defined as hyponatremia. Mann-Whitney's U test was used to evaluate the effects of the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) of linezolid at the nadir sodium level, clinical characteristics (e.g. laboratory data), and baseline serum sodium levels on the development of hyponatremia. ResultsThe hyponatremia was occurred in 21 of 89 patients (23.6%). Data are compared for baseline and nadir serum sodium levels of patients with and without hyponatremia. In both groups, nadir serum sodium levels were significantly different from those of the baseline values (P < 0.05). The values of AUC0-12, accumulated AUC, baseline serum sodium levels and age were significantly different between patients with and without hyponatremia (P < 0.05). ConclusionsLinezolid exposure, age, and baseline sodium levels were detected as the risk factors for linezolid-related hyponatremia. Our findings suggest that regular monitoring of serum sodium levels is desirable during treatment with linezolid, especially for the elderly and patients with low serum sodium levels before the start of linezolid administration.

Lower serum sodium levels predict poor clinical outcomes in patients with insomnia

BackgroundThe association between lower serum sodium levels and the clinical outcomes of insomnia patients remains unclear. We explored whether lower serum sodium is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with insomnia.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients with a diagnosis of insomnia from January 2011 to December 2012. We divided participants into three groups according to initial serum sodium level: tertile 1 (< 138 mmol/L), tertile 2 (138.0–140.9 mmol/L), and tertile 3 (≥ 141.0 mmol/L). To calculate the relative risk of death, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsA total of 412 patients with insomnia were included, of whom 13.6% (n = 56) had hyponatremia. Patients with lower serum sodium concentrations were older and had lower hemoglobin, calcium, phosphorus, and albumin levels. At the median follow-up of 49.4 months, 44 patients had died and 62 experienced acute kidney injury (AKI). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly higher mortality in patients in the lowest tertile for serum sodium. The lowest tertile of the serum sodium level and the AKI were associated with all-cause mortality. However, the lowest tertile of the serum sodium level was not significantly associated with AKI.ConclusionsThe lowest tertile of the serum sodium level was associated with a higher mortality rate in insomnia patients. Our results suggest that the serum sodium level could serve as a prognostic factor in insomniacs; patients with lower sodium levels require particular care.

Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus disease indicate potential proximal tubular dysfunction.

Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus disease indicate potential proximal tubular dysfunction.

Successful treatment of 28 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 at a medical center in Taiwan

BackgroundCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic. We present the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 28 COVID-19 patients treated in our hospital in Taiwan.MethodsPatients with COVID-19, confirmed by positive real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral nucleic acids from oropharyngeal swab specimens between February 4, 2020 and July 6, 2020, were enrolled. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were reviewed.ResultsSeventeen of the 28 patients (60.7%) had pneumonia. The most frequent symptoms were cough (n = 23, 82.1%) and fever (n = 17, 60.7%). The development of pneumonia was associated with age ≥40 years (p < 0.024), body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (p = 0.014), fever (p = 0.007), shortness of breath (p = 0.036), chills ((p = 0.047), and lower platelet counts (<200,000/μL) (p = 0.007). Increased quarantine duration was associated with age ≥40 years (p = 0.026), Charlson index ≥1 (p = 0.037), lower lymphocyte (<1500/uL; p = 0.028) or platelet counts (<200,000/μL) (p = 0.016), lower serum sodium (<140 mEq/L; p = 0.006), and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level (≥1 mg/dl; p = 0.04). Treatment with hydroxychloroquine or in combination with other medicines did not reduce the quarantine duration. All 28 patients recovered with a median quarantine duration of 27.2 days.ConclusionCOVID-19 patients with older age, higher BMI, fever, chills or shortness of breath, lower serum sodium level, lower platelet or lymphocyte count, and higher CRP level may be associated with developing pneumonia or longer quarantine duration.