The most common causes of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients

Ally Prebtani, MD, is an endocrinologist, internist, and professor of medicine at McMaster University. He has developed clinical practice guidelines as part of Diabetes Canada and Hypertension Canada. He is actively involved in teaching, advocacy work, clinical work, and research.

What are the most common causes of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients?

Ally Prebtani, MD: Hyponatremia is a very common problem in hospital. I would say the most common causes of hyponatremia in hospital are syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis, often related to the reason that patients are admitted for, such as a lung condition or a central nervous system (CNS) condition, or drugs, in particular, thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics.