Use of Urine Electrolytes and Urine Osmolality in the Clinical Diagnosis of Fluid, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Disorders
Kamel S. Kamel, Mitchell L. Halperin
Abstract
We discuss the use of urine electrolytes and urine osmolality in the clinical diagnosis of patients with fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base disorders, emphasizing their physiological basis, their utility, and the caveats and limitations in their use. While our focus is on information obtained from measurements in the urine, clinical diagnosis in these patients must integrate information obtained from the history, the physical examination, and other laboratory data.
Topics & Concepts
UrineMedicineUrine osmolalityElectrolyteElectrolyte DisorderPhysical examinationClinical diagnosisAcid–base imbalanceWater-Electrolyte BalanceIntensive care medicineInternal medicineHyponatremiaSodiumOrganic chemistryChemistryPhysical chemistryElectrodeElectrolyte and hormonal disordersRenal function and acid-base balanceIon Transport and Channel Regulation