Intracellular electrolyte abnormalities in fulminant hepatic failure.

The sodium, potassium, and water content of peripheral blood leukocytes was determined in 30 patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Although values for potassium were reduced, statistically significant increases were found in sodium and water content. Serial studies showed that, with recovery of liver function, the leukocyte sodium content fell initially to below normal, with values subsequently returning to the normal range some weeks later. Leukocyte sodium content was inversely correlated to the plasma sodium concentration, suggesting that a shift of sodium into the intracellular compartment might contribute toward the hyponatremia that was found in many patients.