Desmopressin can be used concurrently with hypertonic saline to prevent overly rapid correction of sodium.

Desmopressin can be used concurrently with hypertonic saline to prevent overly rapid correction of sodium.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with hypotonic saline
• D. Only with loop diuretics

Answer: (A)

Desmopressin can be used with hypertonic saline to prevent overly rapid correction of sodium because it limits free water loss. When hyponatremia is being treated with hypertonic saline, the body can suddenly start diuresing water as the osmotic gradient shifts, which can push serum sodium up too quickly and raise the risk of osmotic demyelination. Desmopressin, by activating V2 receptors in the collecting ducts, promotes water reabsorption and blunts this aquaresis, slowing the rise in sodium and helping maintain a safer correction trajectory. This approach is used in patients at risk for rapid correction and is not limited to any particular saline type or to loop diuretics.

Desmopressin can be used with hypertonic saline to prevent overly rapid correction of sodium because it limits free water loss. When hyponatremia is being treated with hypertonic saline, the body can suddenly start diuresing water as the osmotic gradient shifts, which can push serum sodium up too quickly and raise the risk of osmotic demyelination. Desmopressin, by activating V2 receptors in the collecting ducts, promotes water reabsorption and blunts this aquaresis, slowing the rise in sodium and helping maintain a safer correction trajectory. This approach is used in patients at risk for rapid correction and is not limited to any particular saline type or to loop diuretics.