Hypernatremia in the ICU - a retrospective cohort study

Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance affecting 7-26% of ICU patients. Hypernatremia, even mild, has been identified as a risk factor for mortality, increased length of hospital stay and discharge to a nursing home. The incidence of hypernatremia and the relationship between hypernatremia and patient-centered outcomes in ICU patients have not been assessed in a Danish cohort. We aim to characterize the occurrence and patient-important outcomes in ICU patients developing hypernatremia during ICU admission (ICU-acquired hypernatremia). We hypothesize that hypernatremia is a common condition in the ICU and that it is associated with worse clinical outcomes. We will be conducting a retrospective observational cohort study evaluating patients admitted to ten medical, surgical and mixed ICUs at eight hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2024. Data will be extracted from the Electronic Medical Record, “Sundhedsplatformen” by EPIC.