HYPONATREMIA AFTER ACUTE SPINAL-INJURY

Of 134 patients admitted to the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries wi thin 2 days of the spinal injury during 1991-1992, 25 developed hypona traemia in the acute phase. Hyponatraemia was most common among patien ts with complete tetraplegia (45 per cent) and these patients tended t o be younger as well as have more severe and prolonged hyponatraemia. Overhydration is a common cause of hyponatraemia in this group of pati ents and should be avoided.