SERUM ELECTROLYTES AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Background. COPD is the third leading cause of death. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inappropriately elevated plasma arginine vasopressin in COPD may cause hyponatremia. Hyponatremia in COPD may be a predictor of poor outcomes and patients may have high mortality. Hypokalemia in COPD may be attributed to respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and long-standing steroid therapy. The use of beta 2 agonists may also contribute. Moreover, acute respiratory failure associated with hypokalemia may have poor outcomes Aim To compare the differences in respiratory parameters (ABG, Saturation at presentation, oxygen dependency), duration of stay, and mortality in AECOPD patients with and without dyselectrolytemia. Materials And Methods A retrospective observational study and case records of 100 patients who visited the hospital with AE of COPD from January 2019 to June 2022 were reviewed. Patients with dyselectrolytemia were considered as group I and patients without it were considered group II. Data regarding ABG, SPO2, oxygen dependency, duration of stay, mortality were collected and compared between the two groups Results And Conclusions Out of 100 patients, 60 were with dyselectrolytemia and 40 have normal electrolytes. In group, I patients 56.6% had acidotic pH (<7.35) (p=<0.007) and 83.3% had low saturation (p=0.05), 41.6% were having type II respiratory failure (p=0.01), had longer hospital stays (p=<0.0001) when compared to group II which were statistically signicant. So electrolytes should be routinely tested to prevent worse outcomes.