An international review, with participation of the IECS, shows that rapid correction of hyponatremia is safe and can save lives.
Hyponatremia, a common condition in hospitalized patients characterized by low blood sodium levels, can lead to serious complications such as confusion, seizures, coma, and even death when severe. Traditional clinical guidelines have recommended a slow correction of sodium levels to prevent serious neurological complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome. However, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, in which he participated Dr. Agustín Ciapponi, director of the Cochrane Argentina Centre of the Institute for Clinical and Health Effectiveness (IECS), provides new evidence that questions this recommendation.
An international collaboration
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Canada, the United States and Argentina, who carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis of 16 studies published in the last decade, covering data from more than 11.800 patients with severe hyponatremia.
Key findings:
- Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia was associated with 32 and 221 fewer hospital deaths per 1.000 patients treated compared to slow and very slow correction, respectively.
- A was also observed reduction in 30-day mortality and a decrease in length of hospital stay between 1 and 3 days.
- No significant increase in the incidence of osmotic demyelination syndrome associated with rapid correction was detected.
Clinical implications:
"In medicine, many practices are perpetuated out of habit or unfounded fears, even without solid foundations and sometimes with harmful consequences. This study provides robust evidence that urges us to reconsider the strategies adopted for the management of severe hyponatremia.“said Dr. Ciapponi, one of the authors of the study.
These findings have the potential to modify current clinical practice guidelines and optimize the management of this critical condition in hospitalized patients.
At IECS, we reaffirm our commitment to generating quality scientific evidence and disseminating it to improve people's health and well-being.
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