Key result
Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia linked to central pontine myelinolysis requiring ICU admission.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case reinforces the critical importance of strictly adhering to recommended sodium correction rates in severe hyponatremia to prevent osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Requires strict adherence to sodium correction limits in severe hyponatremia; reinforces prevention of osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a rare and serious clinical syndrome that has been associated with rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. ODS can evolve to central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), in which demyelination occurs in the pontine region, and less commonly extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM), involving other brain regions. We present the case of a 52-year-old alcoholic man admitted for community-acquired pneumonia who developed CPM following rapid correction of severe hyponatremia. This case highlights the importance of careful correction of sodium levels, particularly in high-risk patients.
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Santos et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Central Pontine Myelinolysis (n=1). Intravenous isotonic saline was evaluated. Rapid correction of severe hyponatremia from 104 mmol/L to 152 mmol/L in a 52-year-old alcoholic man resulted in central pontine myelinolysis requiring intensive care unit admission.
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