2008/01/01 by Arthur J. Siegel
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Electrolyte and hormonal disorders #Heart Failure Treatment and Management #Ion Transport and Channel Regulation
paper · doi:10.1080/10673220801924308
openalex publication_date 2008/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia (serum sodium concentration < 136 mEq/L) is a prevalent and potentially dangerous medical comorbidity in psychiatric patients. METHODS: MEDLINE was used to identify peer-reviewed publications that described the role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the pathogenesis of hyponatremia, the presentation and treatment of hyponatremia in psychiatric patients, and promising new treatment options. RESULTS: Polydipsia may lead to hyponatremia in patients with schizophrenia, which is mediated, in part, by a reduced osmotic threshold for the release of AVP and by a defect in the osmoregulation of thirst. Acute-onset hyponatremia may require emergent treatment with hypertonic (3%) saline, whereas chronic cases mandate gradual correction to minimize the risk of osmotic demyelination. The AVP-receptor antagonists, including conivaptan, tolvaptan, lixivaptan, and satavaptan, represent a therapeutic advance in the treatment of dilutional hyponatremia. CONCLUSION: Based on the role of AVP in the development of hyponatremia, further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of the AVP-receptor antagonists in psychiatric patients with hyponatremia.