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Question

A patient with small cell lung carcinoma has symptomatic hyponatraemia (serum sodium 127 mmol/ L). The most likely etiology is:

The correct answer is
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH

SCLC and Hyponatraemia Etiology

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. A common complication is the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH).

Understanding SIADH in SCLC

SIADH causes the body to retain excessive water due to increased levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This leads to dilution of the blood's sodium concentration, resulting in hyponatraemia.

  • The patient's low serum sodium level is '$127 \text{ mmol/L}$', confirming hyponatraemia.
  • SCLC is a known cause of ectopic ADH production, leading to SIADH.
  • Symptomatic hyponatraemia is a typical presentation.

Evaluating Other Options

The other conditions are less likely causes of hyponatraemia in this specific clinical context:

  • Fanconi Syndrome affects kidney tubules and doesn't typically present as the primary cause of hyponatraemia linked to SCLC.
  • Cushing's Syndrome involves excess cortisol and is usually associated with normal or high sodium levels.
  • Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes and is not directly linked to causing hyponatraemia in SCLC patients.

Therefore, SIADH is the most probable cause.

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Important Questions from Electrolyte Imbalance

  1. A patient presents with history of 'bones, stones and abdominal groans' – due to generalised aches and pains and renal calculus colic. Which is the most discriminatory blood investigation?
  2. Which one of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment for management of severe hypercalcemia ?
  3. Which of the following are used in calculating the serum osmolality? 

    1. Serum sodium 

    2. Glucose 

    3. Calcium 

    4. Blood urea nitrogen 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  4. Which of the following are used in the management of hyperkalemia? 

    1. 10% calcium gluconate intravenously 

    2. Regular insulin and intravenous glucose 

    3. Nebulized ipratropium bromide 

    4. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  5. Nebulized salbutamol is used in the management of which of the following electrolyte abnormality?
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