Hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is a pathological condition defined by a serum sodium concentration greater than 145 mmol/L. It can occur during the treatment of various diseases and significantly impacts the prognosis of critically ill patients. It is primarily caused by insufficient water intake or excessive water loss, with a small number of cases attributed to endocrine disorders. This condition is common in infants and the elderly, especially hospitalized patients. Early symptoms mainly include thirst, decreased urine output, and fatigue. In severe cases, mental status changes may occur.