From the Research
Causes of Hypernatremia
The causes of hypernatremia can be categorized into several factors, including:
- Loss of water: Hypernatremia is most often caused by an overall deficit of total body water 1, 2, 3
- Gain of sodium: Excessive sodium intake can also lead to hypernatremia, although this is less common 1, 2, 3
- Impaired thirst sensation: Decreased thirst sensation and/or reduced water intake can contribute to hypernatremia 2, 4
- Renal or extrarenal mechanisms: Hypernatremia can be mediated by renal or extrarenal mechanisms, including dysfunction of Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), thirst, and the renal response to AVP 5
- Medications: Drugs that influence thirst sensation can be a main cause of hypernatremia in adults and elderly patients 2
- Hospitalization: Hospitalization itself might be a risk factor for developing hypernatremia 2
- Diabetes insipidus: This condition can also lead to hypernatremia 4
- Lack of access to water: Especially infants, young children, and individuals with a lack of access to water are at risk of developing hypernatremia 3