Electrolyte abnormalities in patients admitted in emergency department of tertiary care institute: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Electrolyte disorders are common in patients in the emergency department and have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this respect sodium, potassium and calcium are the most important cations, whose improper adjustment may cause severe disorders in neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Aims & Objectives: This study intends to assess the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in patients hospitalized in emergency department of Government Medical College, Srinagar. Materials and Methods: A cross–sectional descriptive study was conducted among 11,000 patients admitted in emergency department. Simple stratified sampling was done to select the patients hospitalized in emergency ward. A semi-structured questionnaire containing the socio-demographic variables was prepared. Meanwhile, biochemical test for sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, serum creatinine, and blood urea were carried out. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 11.5 version. Results: Frequency distribution of electrolyte abnormalities was as follows: Hyponatremia 49%, hypernatremia 7%, hypokalemia 36%, hyperkalemia 16%, hypocalcemia 6% and hypercalcemia 3%. Bicarbonate levels were: low levels 18%, high levels 9%. 21% and 16% of patients had blood urea and creatinine more than the normal range respectively. A total of 42% of patients hospitalized in emergency department had nonsurgical problems and 58% of the patients had surgical problems. The most common electrolyte abnormality was related to variation in serum sodium and potassium levels in the form of hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Conclusion: The prescription of fluid therapy in emergency is a common clinical event. The foundations that underpin such therapy should be understood by all clinicians involved in the short-term care of patients admitted in emergency. The routine measurement of the renal function tests and electrolytes is thus warranted in all patients hospitalized in emergency departments for the early detection of any possible derangement(s).