Water Balance: Hypo- and Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is an elevated serum sodium concentration > 145 mmol/L. Serum sodium is the greatest contributor to plasma osmolality, which is very tightly controlled by the hypothalamus via the thirst mechanism and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release. Hypernatremia occurs either from a lack of access to water or an excessive intake of sodium. The total volume of water lost (usually via GI or renal routes) is regained through normal oral intake. Therefore, if a patient has access to water and an intact thirst mechanism, many etiologies of hypernatremia may remain hidden. The etiology of hypernatremia is often easily determined by clinical history. Treatment is primarily a replacement of the free water deficit by IV or oral routes.