Prevalence and incidence of hyponatremia and their association with diuretic therapy: Results from North India

INTRODUCTION: Hyponatremia is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Correct estimation of their prevalence, incidence and risk factors, especially the diuretics in Indian patients is important in determining preventive strategies. METHODS: This multistage mixed methods-based study was conducted in a high-volume cardiac care center to ensure the correct estimation. Patients receiving oral diuretics on an outpatient basis and those admitted to hospital for hyponatremia were enrolled. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyponatremia was 27% while the incidence rate was 18% and 29% after 3- and 6-month of the diuretic therapy. The highest rates of hyponatremia were observed in warm season (45%, 111 in 247 patients). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low solute and nutritious intake and edematous state were negatively correlated with serum sodium levels. Neither diarrhea/vomiting nor diuretic use were found to be associated with hyponatremia. CONCLUSIONS: Diuretics use was not associated with hyponatremia in adults in this population cohort. However, elderly people on diuretics are comparatively more likely to have hyponatremia. However, a randomized parallel arm trial comparing diuretics with other antihypertensives be done to establish whether diuretics are associated with hyponatremia in this patient population.