Antidiuretic hormone levels in stroke patients.

Serum osmolality and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels were determined for 17 patients with cerebral infarction, 4 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 12 controls. The ADH levels were elevated significantly in the stroke patients. Hyponatremia was not observed. Stroke patients are at risk for developing electrolyte disturbances; thus, fluid intake and electrolyte levels should be closely observed.