Clinical significance of supplementing sodium to liver cirrhotic ascites patients with hyponatremia

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of supplementing sodium to liver cirrhotic ascites patients with hyponatremia. Methods Blood sodium level was determined in 120 cirrhotic ascites patients with hyponatremia. The patients were divided into mild,moderate and severe hyponatremia groups according to the blood sodium level and the incidence rate of complication was analyzed. Sodium chloride was supplemented on the basis of comprehensive and diuretic therapy,and the outcomes of these patients were analyzed. Results The incidence rates of hypo-osmotic encephalopathy in mild,moderate and severe hyponatremia groups were 0%,10.4% and 37.5%,respectively; the incidence rates of hepato-renal syndrome were 0%,8.2% and 25.0%,respectively; and the incidence rates of refractory ascites were 7.5%,20.8% and 43.8%,respectively. As the level of blood sodium was elevated after the supplementation of sodium,24 hour urine volume increased and ascites regressed significantly,symptoms of encephalopathy eased or disappeared and renal function improved significantly. Conclusions The incidence of complication in the liver cirrhotic ascites patients with hyponatremia correlates negatively with the blood sodium level. Appropriate supplementation of sodium salt is an important adjuvant therapeutic measure and is in favor of the regression of ascites and improvement of clinical symptoms in the liver cirrhotic patients with hyponatremia.