Primary prevention

Patients with a history of malignancy (especially of pulmonary origin) or of taking offending drugs require regular monitoring for the development of SIADH with chemistry panels and asked specific questions concerning signs and symptoms of hyponatraemia. A chemistry panel every 6 months after diagnosis of a malignancy and 1-2 weeks after starting an SIADH-associated medicine, with a repeat test after 1-2 months, is usually sufficient.

Several strategies to avoid hospital-induced hyponatraemia, which is often SIADH-related, include avoidance of hypotonic fluids prior to surgical procedures, control of nausea and pain, and close monitoring of older adult patients and those on SIADH-associated medicines.

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