Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 16 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 66-76
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260509
Hyponatremia and Its Relationship with Disease Severity and Complications in Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease: A Hospital-Based Study
Raj Kishor Tandon1, Geetanshu Singla2
1Assistant Professor, 2Junior Resident,
Department of General Medicine, Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, India.
Corresponding Author: Geetanshu Singla
ABSTRACT
Background: Decompensated chronic liver disease (DCLD) is frequently associated with electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyponatremia, which reflects advanced disease and circulatory dysfunction. It is increasingly recognized as a predictor of poor clinical outcomes and complications.
Objectives: (i) To determine the prevalence of hyponatremia and evaluate its association with disease severity in patients with decompensated chronic liver disease. (ii) To assess the relationship between serum sodium levels and the occurrence of major complications in these patients.
Materials & Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 94 patients aged ≥18 years with DCLD presenting with ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding. Conducted over one year at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the study utilized a pre-designed proforma to record demographic data, clinical history, examination findings, and laboratory and radiological investigations. Parameters required for Child–Pugh score calculation were documented.
Results: The mean age was 51.6 ± 12.5 years, with male predominance (81%). The main etiologies were alcoholic liver disease (48%) and viral hepatitis (45%). The mean serum sodium level was 133.68 ± 6.21 mEq/L. Hyponatremia was present in 45% of patients, while 2% had hypernatremia. Patients with hyponatremia had higher mean MELD (17.47 ± 6.63) and MELD-Na (22.84 ± 5.59) scores compared to those with normal sodium (15.12 ± 7.10 and 15.61 ± 7.04, respectively). Serum sodium levels were significantly associated with Child–Pugh class (p = 0.013). Complications were more frequent among patients with hyponatremia.
Conclusion: Hyponatremia is common in DCLD and is significantly associated with greater disease severity and increased risk of complications, underscoring its prognostic importance.
Key words: Hyponatremia; Decompensated chronic liver disease; Serum sodium; MELD score; MELD-Na; Child–Pugh score; Liver cirrhosis; Ascites