Prognostic factors, symptoms, and consequences of electrolyte imbalances in patients who suffered from cancer.

Abstract

74 Background: Dyselectrolytemia is a common problem in patients with terminal cancer. It worsens the quality of life and increases the amount of complications. The aim of our study was to determine factors connected with dyselectrolytemia in patients with terminal cancer. Methods: 310 terminal cancer patients admitted to Palliative Care Unit were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed physical examination, medical history and laboratory parameters were taken upon admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine possible predictors, symptoms and consequences of dyselectrolytemia. Results: On admission 67,74% of patients had dyselectrolytemia. They were more frequently admitted to hospital from Emergency Department (OR=Odds Ratio=2,879, p=probability value=0,00004), had higher PS scale note (OR=1,627, p=0,0001), were more often cachectic (OR=1,915, p=0,0083), had more often constipation (OR=1,728,p=0,0275), were more often dehydrated (OR=2,609 ,p=0,0007), had lower albumin level (OR=0,909, p=0,00001). They had 275% higher risk of death (OR=2,758, p=0,0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for possible confounders reviled that admission to hospital from Emergency Department (OR=2,652, p=0,01), higher PS scale note (OR=1,445, p=0,001), opioids administration (OR=2,747, p=0,003), dehydration (OR=1,966 , p=0,038) and higher risk of death (OR=2,432, p=0,002) remained independently associated with dyselectrolytemia. Conclusions: Higher PS scale note, occurrence of dehydration, admission to hospital from Emergency Department and opioids administration are factors associated with dyselectrolytemia. Patients with electrolytes imbalances had 275% higher risk of death. Project "Extension of life and improvement of its quality and reduction of cancer patients' mortality due to proper control of water and electrolyte management and elimination of risk factors for dehydration and dyselectrolytemia." Co-financed by the European Social Fund under the project of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland entitled "Best of the best! 2.0 ".