Central pontine myelinolysis following 'slow' correction of hyponatremia.

Two patients with central pontine myelinolysis are described for the peculiar mode of development. Both patients were in chronic renal failure and admitted in a stuporous state due to hyponatremia. Both developed central pontine myelinolysis during the hospital stay following slow and judicious correction of hyponatremia. The role of chronicity of hyponatremia prior to its correction, in the genesis of central pontine myelinolysis, particularly in the patients who have chronic debilitating illness, septicemia or malnutrition, is highlighted.