Hypernatremia without water depletion

Hypernatremia is generally thought to be a condition in which water depletion raises the serum sodium concentration despite some salt loss. However, many patients with hypernatremia have been shown to have normal or increased total body water, indicating that these patients are salt- and frequently water-overloaded. Possible pathophysiological reasons for these abnormalities are discussed. Recognition of this clinical condition is important because therapy should avoid further worsening the salt and water overload.