Bratusch-Marrain P, Kleinberger G, Pichler M
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1981 Feb 13;106(7):210-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1070289.
Between 1972 and 1979 34 patients with severe hypernatraemia (serum sodium larger than or equal to 160 mmol/l) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Among these there were 45% of neuropsychiatric patients with reduced consciousness. Maximal serum sodium concentration was 168 (160--204) mmol/l, maximum serum osmolality 391 (340--520) mosm/kg H2O. Treatment consisted of infusion of hypotonic solutions and potassium substitution. Fluid balance was positive (5,9 during 43 hours) until normal serum sodium concentrations had been reached. The mortality of 77% was exclusively due to the underlying diseases.
