Managing hyponatremia in cirrhosis.

Abstract

The development of hyponatremia represents an ominous event in the progression of cirrhosis to end-stage liver disease. It usually develops in those with refractory ascites and is a manifestation of the non-osmotic release of arginine vasopressin (AVP). In the hospitalized cirrhotic patient, hyponatremia is associated with increased disease severity and mortality. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of hyponatremia, its clinical implications, evaluation, and treatment.