Hyponatremia and osteoporosis: insights from the Danish National Patient Registry

The association between hyponatremia and osteoporosis was evaluated in humans. A significant association was found between low sodium levels, lower bone mineralization in the hip, and with several common conditions. Hyponatremia could be used as a marker of osteoporosis and systemic disease.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between hyponatremia and osteoporosis in humans through a cross-sectional study.

METHODS: Patient information was gathered from regional and national Danish patient databases, both in- and outpatient settings, from 2004 to 2011. Patients with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans performed within this time were included if accompanied [Na+] was measured within 14 days prior or past the scan date. A total of 1575 patients were included.

RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were hyponatremic (6.6 %). Total hip and lumbar spine bone mineral content (BMC) and densities (BMD) and T-scores were all significantly lower with hyponatremia. The odds ratio (OR) of osteoporosis significantly increased among hyponatremic patients at both total hip (unadjusted OR = 2.17, 95 % CI = [1.40-3.34], p < .05) and lumbar spine (unadjusted OR = 1.83, 95 % CI = [1.20-2.80], p < .05) regions. Dose-response found between increasing [Na+] and increasing total hip BMC (slope .174, adjusted p < .05), BMD (slope .004, adjusted p < .05), and T-score (slope .034, adjusted p < .05). Systemic disease was more prevalent in hyponatremia.

CONCLUSION: The presence of hyponatremia increases the risk of concurrent osteoporosis at both the total hip and lumbar spine in humans. Hyponatremia could be used a screening tool and marker of secondary osteoporosis.