RESUMEN
Introduction Thiazide diuretics are essential first-line anti-hypertensive drugs which not only maintain blood pressure but also reduce stroke and congestive heart failure associated with morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. However, thiazide diuretics are associated with elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thiazide diuretic use on their SUA levels among hypertensive individuals of Pakistan. Methods In this cross-sectional, prospective study, adult hypertensive patients were recruited. They were divided into two groups - thiazide diuretic group and non-thiazide group. Demographic characteristics, hypertension-related characteristics, and SUA levels were included. Data were then entered and analysed using SPSS for Windows version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results In the thiazide group, 24.5% were hyperuricemic as compared to 15.3% in the non-thiazide group (p=0.03). The overall mean SUA levels in the thiazide group were significantly higher than those in the non-thiazide group (5.9 ± 2.1 vs. 5.3 ± 2.7 mg/dL; p=0.02). Males in the thiazide group also showed a similar pattern (5.9 ± 2.3 vs. 5.1 ± 2.1 mg/dL; p=0.02); however, the differences were insignificant in females. Patients using thiazide diuretics for one to three years were more non-hyperuricemic than hyperuricemic (p=0.000). Among hyperuricemic patients, 36.5% were taking thiazides for three to four years and 46% were taking them for more than four years (p<0.05). Conclusion Hyperuricemia is a more common occurrence in thiazide diuretic users as compared to non-users. The overall sample, and men using thiazide diuretics, reported a higher mean SUA as compared to non-users. As the years of thiazide usage advanced, the number of hyperuricemic participants also significantly increased.
RESUMEN
Introduction Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte imbalance, which is readily observed in patients with ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke. It is mostly hypoosmolal and may be due to syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) or cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical spectrum of hyponatremia in patients of both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Methods In this prospective observational study, all patients admitted with stroke were screened for serum sodium levels right after hospital admission. Patients with serum sodium levels <135 mEq/L were included. Their demographic characteristics, type of stroke, etiology of hyponatremia, and site of hemorrhage/vascular territory ischemia was included. Results Hyponatremia was diagnosed in 34.2% of patients. Their mean serum sodium level was 130.4 ± 3.5 (mEq/L). Ischemic stroke was more common in the hyponatremia group (67.7%), and SIADH was a more common cause of hyponatremia (71.1%). In hyponatremic patients with hemorrhagic stroke, right putamen hemorrhage was seen in 50% of patients with SIADH, and right thalamus was seen in 73.3% patients with CSWS. In hyponatremic patients with ischemic stroke, left middle cerebral artery ischemia was seen in 47% patients with SIADH and right middle cerebral artery ischemia was seen in 55% patients with CSWS. Conclusion In patients with hyponatremia secondary to stroke, ischemic stroke is a common entity. SIADH remains a more frequently witnessed underlying pathology in hyponatremic stroke patients.
