Severe hyponatremia (<125 mEq/L) has a high mortality rate. In instances when the serum sodium level is <105 mEq/L, the mortality is >50%, especially in alcoholics. No sexual predilection exists for hyponatremia. However, symptoms are more likely to occur in young women than in men. The normal serum sodium level is 135-145 mEq/L. Acute hyponatremia (duration <48 hours) can be safely corrected more quickly than chronic hyponatremia. Correction of serum sodium that is too rapid can precipitate severe neurologic complications.
For more on the background of hyponatremia, read here.
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Cite this: Romesh Khardori. Fast Five Quiz: What Do You Know About Hyponatremia? - Medscape - Apr 19, 2016.
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