Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2010
Serum sodium predicts prognosis in critically ill cirrhotic patients.
End-stage liver disease is often complicated by hyponatremia. Cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) have high mortality rates. This study analyzed the outcomes of critically ill cirrhotic patients and identified the prognostic value of serum sodium concentration. ⋯ Low serum sodium levels in critically ill cirrhotic patients are associated with high complications of liver cirrhosis, in-hospital mortality, and poor short-term prognosis. The serum sodium concentration is important predictor of survival among candidates for liver transplantation. Future research with sequential application of serum sodium may reflect the dynamic aspects of clinical conditions, thus providing complete data for mortality risk.