Research Areas


A Prospective Analysis of the Association of Hyponatremia with Hydrocephalus and the Benefits of Early Identification and Treatment

Objective: The physiology and anatomy of the hypothalamic and pituitary control of electrolytes are the basis for many metabolic regulatory system found within the body. In particular, the role of atrial natriuretic peptide and anti-diuretic hormone in maintaining an adequate and appropriate sodium balance within the serum and cerebrospinal fluid has been well documented. As a pathological state develops intracranially, the dynamic of pressure, fluid exchange, and chemical interactions play a direct role in the physiology of the natural homeostasis of the system. It is hypothesized that third ventricular enlargement compresses the subcommisural organs, hypothalamus, and pituitary and alters pertinent regulatory systems involved in sodium maintenance. This study will document the correlation between ventricular size and intracranial pressure with hyponatremia and anti-diuretic hormone levels as they are affected by the removal of cerebrospinal fluid.