Inhibiting more than the proton pump

Abstract

Introduction• Hyponatraemia is defined as serum sodium concentration <135mmol/L.• It is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in clinical practise Proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) are commonly prescribed in the UK, and the indication and duration of treatment is often not reviewed. Inhibiting more than the proton pumpDr Shaza Ahmed, Dr Chloe Broughton, Dr Beas Bhattacharya Great western Hospital Swindon Methods• A retrospective audit was performed of patients admitted to The Great Western Hospital (GWH) with a serum sodium of 127mmol/L or less on admission, over a three month period.• The aim was to identify prescribed medications that may be contributing to the hyponatraemia. Discussion• Hyponatraemia is often caused by drugs such as Anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, diuretics • This audit clearly demonstrates apart from the well known drugs, proton pump inhibitors is a significant contributor to hyponatraemia.• There are often alternatives, for example H2 receptor antagonists rather than PPIs, and clinicians should consider these in patients at risk of hyponatraemia.• 57% of patients audited had a previous diagnosis of hyponatraemia suggesting we may be missing opportunities 77% 23%