Sodium Abnormalities in Patients with Acute Retention of Urine Due to Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Introduction: Bladder outlet obstruction is the most common cause of urinary retention. Electrolyte disturbances are among one of the most overlooked counterparts of urinary retention. Reports suggest that acute urinary retention can lead to derangements in sodium levels. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the incidence of sodium abnormalities in patients admitted with urinary retention due to bladder outlet obstruction. To compare serum sodium levels before and after relief of bladder outlet obstruction in these patients. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, observational study design. All patients above 18 years who presented with complaints of acute retention of urine due to bladder outlet obstruction and fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. After history and physical examination, a urinary catheter was placed to empty the bladder. Serum sodium levels were checked before catheterisation, at 24 h and 48 h after catheterisation to note if there is a change in values of serum sodium. Results: There were 92 cases of acute urinary retention, of which 88 were male and 4 were female. The mean serum sodium value at the time of catheterisation was 131.64, at 24 h after catheterisation was 133.48 and 48 h later was 134.95. Conclusion: An increase in serum sodium levels was noted in the majority of the patients who were catheterised. We infer that hyponatraemia is seen in acute urinary retention and that it gets corrected on catheterisation.