Stopped: Unable to complete a contract with the Sponsor
Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) are a frequent occurrence in medically ill patients, and in particular those with neurological injury. Hyponatremia has been associated with worse outcome, problems with memory and concentration and impaired balance. Standard treatment for low sodium (salt) levels is to give the patient a salt containing solution thru a catheter (small flexible tube) in a vein in the arm or leg. One of the major complications of this treatment is excess body fluid which may cause heart problems or accumulation of fluid in the lungs and may require additional medications to remove extra water from the body. FDA approval has recently been granted for a new drug - Conivaptan - for use in hyponatremic conditions. Conivaptan works by excreting free water from the body and thereby produce concurrent rise in serum sodium concentrations. Conivaptan has not been evaluated specifically in patients with brain injuries. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intravenous Conivaptan for the treatment of hyponatremia in patients with brain injury. If effective, Conivaptan may represent a safe treatment option.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Mean change in serum sodium over the duration of treatment between the two treatment arms.
Timeframe: From beginning of treatment to return of sodium level to greater than or equal to 135 mEq/L, up to 4 days of treatment