Case of the Month #47 A Sugar High

Published 21/03/2024

Which findings suggest a severe presentation?

  • Osmolality >350 mOsm/kg  
  • Sodium >160 mmol/L  
  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <12  
  • SpO2 <92% on RA 
  • Systolic BP <90 mmHg 
  • Hypothermia 
  • Urine output <0.5ml/kg/hr 
  • Macrovascular events such as MI or stroke  

Following initial assessment, the patient’s serum sodium is measured at 162 mmol/L and his GCS starts to fall and he is more confused and drowsy (E2,V4,M5). A CT head is requested and reported as ‘normal’. 

Given the severity of HHS it is agreed to monitor the patient in HDU for management and gentle correction of the biochemical abnormalities.