Relationship between serum sodium level and brain ventricle size after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship of serum sodium levels and brain ventricle size after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Serum sodium levels and brain computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained simultaneously and within 21 days from onset of SAH in 69 patients. Serum sodium levels were compared with brain ventricle size on CT. The index of third ventricle was calculated from brain CT, and we studied its relationship to GOS (Glasgow Outcome Scale) scores.

RESULTS

There was obvious correlation between serum sodium levels and index of third ventricle (r = -0.753). GOS scores correlated with serum sodium levels in patients with hypernatremia.

CONCLUSION

There was a negative correlation between serum sodium levels and cerebral ventricle size in SAH patients. Hypernatremia is one factor leading an unfavorable prognosis in SAH patients.