Sodium

Sodium is a monovalent element of the alkali metals. The determination of the sodium value is used, among other things, to diagnose disorders of the water, electrolyte or acid-base balance, polyuria, kidney diseases or high blood pressure.

Normal value: The normal value in serum in children is between 130 and 145 mmol/l, in adults between 135 and 145 mmol/l; in urine between 90 and 300 mmol/24 h.

Pathologically decreased: renal tubular acidosis, vomiting, diarrhea, steatorrhea, diuretics, polyuria in acute renal failure, salt-losing nephritis, low-salt diet, fluid loss to the third space or excessive drinking of water, postoperative, medications, generalized edema, chronic renal failure.

Pathologically elevated: high-salt diet, drinking seawater, acute renal failure, hyperaldosteronism, diabetes insipidus, osmotic diuresis, sweating, insufficient fluid intake