Climate and viral epidemiology modulating hyponatremia–related ICU admissions- A cross–sectional analysis
Description
Climatic variability has been linked to increased hospitalizations due to dyselectrolytemia and viral infections, particularly among vulnerable populations. Tropical coastal regions experiencing heavy rainfall are prone to recurrent viral outbreaks. The study aimed to examine the association between hyponatremia at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and environmental variables, including temperature and humidity, and characterize the clinical profile and outcomes of individuals admitted in ICU with hyponatremia in the context of concurrent viral infections.
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Retrospective, observational study was conducted in the ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital in Kerala, India. Medical records of adults (≥18 years) admitted between December 1st, 2023 to November 30th , 2024 were reviewed. Those with hyponatremia (serum sodium ≤135 mEq/L) were included and classified based on the presence or absence of viral infection. Associations between climatic variables (temperature and humidity), hyponatremia, and concurrent viral infection were analysed. Statistical analysis: Categorical variables were presented as percentages; continuous variables as mean ± SD or median (IQR). Group comparisons used Chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Multivariable regression and stratified analyses were applied to adjust for confounders. Time-series analyses evaluated ICU admissions in relation to climatic variables, with cross-correlation analyses considering 1–7-day lags. Linear and nonlinear regression with Pearson and Spearman correlations assessed associations, stratified by viral infection and hyponatremia.
Institutions
- Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital