Effect of Hypernatremia on the Outcome of Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) causes a severe toll on society. TBI is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and the major cause of disability among children and young adults. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 90 patients of both sexes with diagnosis of severe TBI presented to the Emergency Department (ER) and Critical Care Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria. Patients were categorized according to the level of serum Na: Mild hypernatremia: (Serum Na 150→ 155mmol/L), Moderate hypernatremia: (Serum Na 155→ 160mmol/L), Sever hyper-natremia: (Serum Na ≥160mmol/L). Results: There was statstically significant negative correlation between severe hypernatremia and mortality in patients with severe TBI. Conclusion: In patients with severe TBI, there is significant correlation between severe hypernatremia and outcome, as severe hypernatremia was associated with increase risk of death and longer ICU stay.