A STUDY OF HYPONATREMIA IN CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN IN PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Background: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disturbance in critically ill children. Although hyponatremia in hospitalized children is associated with adverse outcomes, the risk can be reduced by early diagnosis and intervention. This study was done to determine theObjective: frequency of hyponatremia among children admitted in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Demographic data, detailed history,Methods: systemic examinations, and routine blood and urine investigations were conducted if required for 700 critically ill children aged 1 month to more than 10 years admitted in the PICU. Serum sodium level was classied into the three grades of severity: Mild (130–134 mEq/L), moderate (125–129 mEq/L), and severe (<125 mEq/L). The overall prevalence of hyponatremia was 35.1%. Hyponatremia (130.21) patients haveResults: signicant lower sodium value than Normonatremia (138.92) and Hypernatremia (150.48). Mortality was signicantly lower among the hyponatremic children (3.7%) as compared to hypernatremia (9.1%) and normonatremia (4.6%) Hyponatremia during admissionConclusion: increased the risk of mortality by 3.7 times. Low serum sodium levels at admission also predicted an increased dependency on ionotropic support and mechanical ventilation with dismal patient outcome in terms of survival.