Diagnostic Criteria for SIADH and CSW Using Urine Output
The diagnostic criteria for Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) and Cerebral Salt Wasting (CSW) differ primarily in their urine output patterns, with CSW showing polyuria despite hyponatremia, while SIADH typically presents with normal to low urine output.
Urine Output Patterns
SIADH
- Normal to low urine output despite water retention, typically not meeting oliguria criteria (>0.5 mL/kg/h) 1
- Absence of polyuria despite hyponatremia 2
- No evidence of volume depletion clinically 3
CSW
- Polyuria (increased urine output) despite hyponatremia 4
- May require large fluid volumes (up to 27 L/day in severe cases) to maintain hemodynamic stability 4
- Excessive renal salt losses with concomitant water losses 4
Volume Status Assessment
SIADH
- Euvolemic or mildly hypervolemic appearance clinically 1
- No clinical signs of dehydration 2
- Normal skin turgor and moist mucous membranes 3
CSW
- Signs of volume depletion and dehydration despite high urine output 4
- Negative fluid balance despite aggressive fluid replacement 4
- Hemodynamic instability may be present 5
Laboratory Findings Related to Urine
SIADH
- Concentrated urine (high urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg) despite hyponatremia 2
- Urine sodium typically >40 mEq/L 3
- FeNa typically <1% (suggesting water retention rather than salt wasting) 6
CSW
- High urine sodium (>40 mEq/L) with high urine output 4
- FeNa >1% (suggesting renal salt wasting) 6
- Elevated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels 4
Diagnostic Algorithm Using Urine Output
Measure urine output over 24 hours:
Assess volume status:
Measure fractional excretion of urate (FEUa):
Treatment Response as Diagnostic Criteria
- SIADH: Responds to fluid restriction with improvement in serum sodium 2
- CSW: Worsens with fluid restriction; requires sodium and volume replacement 4
Pitfalls in Diagnosis
- Both conditions can present with hyponatremia and high urine sodium concentration 1
- Volume status assessment can be subjective and challenging 5
- Urine output alone is insufficient for diagnosis and must be interpreted in the context of other clinical and laboratory findings 7
- Oliguria criteria (urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for ≥6 hours) should not be used in isolation for clinical decisions 7
Clinical Application
When evaluating a patient with hyponatremia, monitor urine output patterns carefully: