Using Electrolyte Free Water Balance to Rationalize and Treat Dysnatremias.

ABSTRACT: Dysnatremias or abnormalities in plasma [Na⁺] are often termed disorders of water balance, an unclear physiologic concept often confused with changes in total fluid balance. However, most clinicians clearly recognize that hypertonic or hypotonic gains or losses alter plasma [Na⁺], while isotonic changes do not modify plasma [Na⁺]. This concept can be conceptualized as the electrolyte free water balance (EFWB), which defines the non-isotonic components of inputs and outputs to determine their effect on plasma [Na⁺]. EFWB is mathematically proportional to the rate of change in plasma [Na⁺] (dP_Na/dt) and, therefore, is actively regulated to zero so that plasma [Na⁺] remains stable at its homeostatic set point. Dysnat

SUBMITTER: Shah SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5925609 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature