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Incidence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced hyponatraemia due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion in the elderly
Author(s) -
Bouman Walter P.,
Pinner Gillian,
Johnson Hazel
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199801)13:1<12::aid-gps718>3.0.co;2-f
Subject(s) - medicine , hyponatremia , incidence (geometry) , serotonin reuptake inhibitor , comorbidity , pediatrics , medical prescription , fluvoxamine , retrospective cohort study , asymptomatic , antidepressant , psychiatry , serotonin , fluoxetine , anxiety , physics , receptor , optics , pharmacology
Objective . The study determines the incidence of SSRI‐induced hyponatraemia due to SIADH in an elderly psychiatric inpatient population. Design . A retrospective case‐note study. Setting . An acute old age psychiatry ward. Sample . Patients admitted from January 1 to December 31, 1996. Measures . Demographics, medication, psychiatric diagnoses, plasma sodium level and physical comorbidity were collected. Patients on SSRIs were selected and those developing hyponatraemia due to SIADH were identified. Results . Of 32 patients taking SSRIs, four developed symptomatic hyponatraemia due to SIADH (12.5%). A further four developed asymptomatic hyponatraemia following introduction of an SSRI (12.5%), although laboratory confirmation of SIADH was lacking. Conclusions . The incidence of SSRI‐induced hyponatraemia due to SIADH has not previously been established. This study shows a high incidence in elderly patients of this potentially dangerous complication. Clinical practice in the prescription of SSRIs to elderly people must change to include monitoring of electrolytes for early detection and reduction of morbidity. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.