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Pathophysiology of SIADH in Hyponatremia

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A common cause of hyponatremia

The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is the most common cause of euvolemic hyponatremia. SIADH accounts for 60% of all types of chronic hyponatremia and is the most common form of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients.1 Hyponatremia in SIADH is marked by water retention secondary to an increase in serum vasopressin and urinary sodium excretion.2

Pattern of vasopressin release in SIADH

Adapted from Raftopolous, Support Care Cancer, 2007.3

Pattern of vasopressin release associated with type A and type B (reset osmostat) SIADH

Type A SIADH, found in approximately 40% of cases, is the excessive and erratic vasopressin release unrelated to serum osmolality. Ectopic production of vasopressin by tumor tissue may account for this type of SIADH. In type B SIADH, the response of vasopressin to changes in serum osmolality is preserved and urine-diluting capacity is intact, but the osmotic threshold for vasopressin release is lowered.3

The changes in sodium in SIADH can be attributed to an increase in vasopressin. The diagnosis of SIADH is made in the context of hyponatremia with plasma hypotonicity; urine osmolality exceeding plasma osmolality; elevated urinary sodium excretion despite normal salt and water intake; absence of edema or volume depletion; and normal renal, adrenal and thyroid function.1

Following are several factors that explain the changes in sodium excretion seen in SIADH:2

  • Decreased aldosterone secretion secondary to increased extracellular fluid volume
  • Increased filtered sodium as a result of increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  • Suppressed sodium resorption in the proximal tubules

References:

  1. Siragy HM. Hyponatremia, fluid-electrolyte disorders, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: diagnosis and treatment options. Endocr Pract. 2006;12(4):446-457.
  2. Patel GP, Balk RA. Recognition and treatment of hyponatremia in acutely ill hospitalized patients. Clin Ther. 2007;29(2):211-229.
  3. Raftopolous H. Diagnosis and management of hyponatremia in cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2007;15(12):1341-1347.