[Desmopressin therapy of nocturia in elderly patients may contribute to severe hyponatraemia]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2018 Jul 23;180(30):V01180008.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Hyponatraemia is a well-known side effect of desmopressin therapy. Nocturia in elderly patients can be treated with desmopressin, which usually induces mild and reversible hyponatraemia. This case report is about two patients, in which severe hyponatriaemia, at least partly induced by desmopressin, was observed. The patients were affected by nausea, vomiting and confusion. These symptoms are caused by brain swelling, which can result in coma and death. The case reports illustrate the importance in measuring baseline P-sodium concentration during therapy and examining current medication before prescribing desmopressin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antidiuretic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antidiuretic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antidiuretic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / administration & dosage
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / adverse effects*
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / chemically induced*
  • Nocturia / drug therapy
  • Sodium / blood

Substances

  • Antidiuretic Agents
  • Sodium
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin