RecruitingNot Applicable

Effect of Protein Supplementation and Fluid Restriction on Plasma Sodium Levels in Patients Undergoing Pituitary Surgery

Switzerland282 participantsStarted 2026-01-20

Plain-language summary

The investigators are conducting this study to investigate new preventive measures for patients with low sodium levels (hyponatremia), which can occur after surgery on the pituitary gland. This hyponatremia is often caused by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD). SIAD occurs when the pituitary gland secretes too much antidiuretic hormone. The antidiuretic hormone causes the kidneys to absorb more water. This dilutes the sodium in the blood and leads to hyponatremia. Low sodium levels are particularly common after pituitary surgery, as the procedure on the pituitary gland can lead to increased reactive secretion of antidiuretic hormone. At present, apart from educating patients about the symptoms of hyponatremia, there are no established standard measures for prevention after pituitary surgery. If hyponatremia is present, it is currently treated primarily by fluid restriction, which is not always pleasant or easy to adhere to. With this study, the investigators want to investigate whether protein supplementation or fluid restriction between day 4 and day 9 after surgery can serve as a preventive measure to stabilize sodium levels after pituitary surgery and improve the quality of life of patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (aged 18 or older) undergoing trans-sphenoidal or trans-cranial surgery for sellar / suprasellar pathology * No pre-existing AVP-deficiency and SIAD or other causes of hyponatremia Exclusion Criteria: * AVP deficiency diagnosed before surgery based on established criteria * Other type of neurosurgery / intracranial pathology / pre-existing spontaneous CSF -rhinorrhea * Traumatic brain injury or intracranial hemorrhage * Systemic infection or other causes for systemic stress * Lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, soy allergy, nuts allergy or known hypersensitivity or allergy to one of the components of the protein supplementation * Inborn metabolic disorders implying carbohydrate, lipid, or protein metabolism * Severe hepatic impairment (ALAT/ASAT \>3x upper limit) or advanced symptomatic liver disease defined as past or current hepatic encephalopathy, liver cirrhosis Child C, or decompensated (bleeding, jaundice, hepatorenal syndrome) * Reduction of eGFR \<45 mL/min/1.73m² (KDIGO G3b, G4 and G5) or end stage renal disease (dialysis) * Recently initiated (within the last 5 days) SGLT2 inhibitors, vaptans, or oral urea therapy * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Lack of capacity or other reason preventing from giving informed consent or following study procedures. Post-Inclusion Exclusion criteria (day 3 post-surgery, i.e.,time of randomization): - AVP deficiency diagnosed on post-operative day 3

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Odds ratio of treatment failure (intervention compared to standard of care)

Timeframe: 3 days post-surgery (time of randomization), and day 9 post-surgery.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07273630

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-10-01

Contact for this trial

Mirjam Christ-Crain, Prof. Dr. med.

0041 61 328 70 80 Mirjam.Christ-Crain@usb.ch

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hyponatremia trials