Mia le Riche1, Lesley J Burgess, A David Marais. 1. Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19113, Tygerberg 7505, Parow, South Africa. mleriche@sun.ac.za
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pseudohyponatraemia is uncommonly associated with severe hypercholesterolaemia. Severe hypercholesterolaemia encountered in obstructive jaundice due to an abnormal lipoprotein, lipoprotein X (LpX), may result in pseudohyponatraemia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of falsely low sodium measurements in a patient with severe hypercholesterolaemia due to obstructive liver disease. The pathophysiology, complications and analytical effects of LpX are briefly discussed. CONCLUSION: The possibility of pseudohyponatraemia should be considered in severely hypercholesterolaemic samples.
INTRODUCTION: Pseudohyponatraemia is uncommonly associated with severe hypercholesterolaemia. Severe hypercholesterolaemia encountered in obstructive jaundice due to an abnormal lipoprotein, lipoprotein X (LpX), may result in pseudohyponatraemia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of falsely low sodium measurements in a patient with severe hypercholesterolaemia due to obstructive liver disease. The pathophysiology, complications and analytical effects of LpX are briefly discussed. CONCLUSION: The possibility of pseudohyponatraemia should be considered in severely hypercholesterolaemic samples.