The prevalence of sodium imbalance in traumatic brain injury patients

Abstract

   Background: Serum sodium imbalances (hyponatremia and hypernatremia) are common electrolyte disturbances in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from the effects of direct brain injury and/or therapeutic interventions. These disturbances are directly associated with patient outcomes. In Vietnam, comprehensive data on sodium imbalances in TBI patients remain limited.

   Objectives: To determine the prevalence of sodium imbalances following TBI and assess their impact on poor clinical outcomes.

   Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted on 68 patients with TBI treated in the Surgical Critical Care Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, at People's Hospital 115 from November 2023 to May 2024.

   Results: The prevalence of sodium imbalances in the study population was 36.8%, including 64.0% hypernatremia, 28.0% hyponatremia, and 8.0% mixed sodium disturbances. Patients with sodium imbalances were 5.93 times more likely to experience poor outcomes at discharge compared to those without imbalances (p < 0.05).

   Conclusion: The prevalence of sodium imbalances in TBI patients was 36.8%, and these imbalances were closely associated with poor clinical outcomes.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.4.3.7