Serum Sodium Status in Hospitalized Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Its Association with Disease Severity, Complications and In-Hospital Mortality

Background and Objective: Electrolyte imbalance is a frequent finding in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Hyponatremia, in particular, reflects altered circulatory and renal physiology and may be associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate serum sodium levels in hospitalized cirrhosis patients and determine their association with disease severity, complications, and in-hospital mortality. Methodology: A hospital-based observational study was carried out among 105 adult patients admitted with liver cirrhosis. Serum sodium at admission was recorded and patients were categorized into ≤130 mEq/L and >130 mEq/L groups. Disease severity was assessed using the Child?Pugh classification. Complications, intensive care unit (ICU) requirement, and final hospital outcome were documented and analyzed. Results: Hyponatremia (≤130 mEq/L) was present in 68 patients (64.77%). Patients with hyponatremia showed a higher frequency of complications, increased need for ICU care, and all observed in-hospital deaths occurred in this group. Low serum sodium demonstrated a significant association with disease severity and mortality. Conclusion: Admission serum sodium level is a simple and reliable indicator of advanced disease and poor short-term outcome in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis.