Zeitschrift für klinische Fallberichte

Peripartum Hyponatraemia: A Rare Occurrence?

Abstract

Yeung E and Fleming T

Background: Hyponatraemia is a recognised, but underreported complication of the peripartum period. This presentation endeavours to bring to light the susceptibility of labouring women and their babies to hyponatraemia by presenting an overview of sodium metabolism, in addition to a case report and review of the current literature. Case study: A 33 years multiparous lady in spontaneous labour developed confusion four hours postnatal and was found to have serum sodium of 114mmol/L. She had not received oxytocin or intravenous fluid supplementation intrapartum, and reports consumption of 2.5 litres of water in the preceding six hours of labour. Conclusion: There are a number of factors which predispose the pregnant woman to a dilutional hyponatraemia, including the elevated fluid volume, iatrogenic fluid supplementation, “encouraged” polydipsia and alterations in Anti Diuretic Hormone (ADH).