- Hyponatremia in ICU patients is commonly caused by inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone leading to retention of free water.
- The brain adapts slowly to changes in serum sodium levels over 48 hours; rapid corrections can cause serious complications like osmotic demyelination syndrome.
- Treatment goals for hyponatremia are to correct the sodium level slowly at a rate of no more than 6 mEq/L per day to prevent neurological complications while relieving symptoms.