Perturbations of serum electrolyte levels in iron deficiency anemia - A comparative analysis

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and electrolyte imbalance are widely prevalent problems in Indian population. Although few studies have linked IDA with altered serum electrolyte levels, their results were inconsistent. Since IDA is a major public health problem, the suggested relationship between the two assumes clinical importance. In IDA, red cell membrane-bound Na+K+ATase activity is altered affecting the serum electrolyte levels. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the alterations in serum electrolyte levels in patients with IDA and comparing it with subjects without anemia. Materials and Methods: Totally, 300 subjects (163 with IDA and 137 without anemia) were included. Blood samples analyzed for serum electrolytes, complete hemogram, and iron profile. Results: We observed significantly lower serum levels of sodium, higher potassium, as well as chloride in IDA patients when compared with subjects without anemia (P = 0.0001**). In IDA patients, a significant positive correlation existed between serum sodium levels with all red cell indices except mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and between bicarbonate levels with hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and MCV. We observed significant negative correlation between serum potassium levels with Hb, RBC count, HCT, and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and between chloride levels with Hb and HCT. We found a highly significant association in serum sodium and potassium levels as severity of anemia worsen when compared with chloride and bicarbonate levels. Conclusion: Differences in serum electrolyte levels exist between patients with IDA and without anemia. Hence, IDA patients should be monitored closely for their electrolyte levels to avoid complications and better management.