Abstract
Understanding the regulation of the electrolyte and water balance is a prerequisite for correct treatment in an emergency. This article concentrates on the balance of the electrolytes sodium and calcium. A hypernatremia often occurs in dehydration and the most important differential diagnosis of hypernatremia in the emergency setting. The most important differential diagnosis is the rare diabetes ...
Abstract
Understanding the regulation of the electrolyte and water balance is a prerequisite for correct treatment in an emergency. This article concentrates on the balance of the electrolytes sodium and calcium. A hypernatremia often occurs in dehydration and the most important differential diagnosis of hypernatremia in the emergency setting. The most important differential diagnosis is the rare diabetes insipidus. In contrast, the frequently occurring hyponatremia has a variety of differential diagnoses with different forms of treatment, which must be mastered by the emergency physician. Balanced serum calcium is important for an intact nerve function. A hypercalcemic crisis leads to attenuation of the central nervous system (CNS, coma) and hypovolemic shock. A hypocalcemia triggers a stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (tetany) and is clinically indistinguishable from a hyperventilation tetany. The diagnosis and initiation of treatment of electrolyte disturbances can often already be made in the emergency department.
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