Electrolyte abnormalities in patients admitted in emergency department of tertiary care institute: A cross sectional study
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 11
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 adjustm ent may cause severe disorders in neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Aims & Objective s : This study intends to assess the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in patients hospitalized in emergency department of Government Medical College, Srinag ar. 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: Frequ ency 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 possib le derangement(s)
Authors and Affiliations
Qazi Najeeb, Ruqaya Aziz, Sajad Hamid, Sabiya Majid, Ruhi Ashraf
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP89908
- DOI 10.5455/ijm sph. 2014. 1 5 0 8 2014 3
- Views 147
- Downloads 0
Using scores in interpreting growth status effectively improved infant feeding practices and calorie intake of child aged 0–12 months
Background: Inappropriate feeding practices including breast-feeding practice during the first year of life identified to be associated with 60% of child malnutrition and mortality. Lack of feeding skills is the m...
Metabolic syndrome and its components among population of Holalu village, Karnataka
Back ground: Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome is seen in the rural population as well owing to urbanization and life style changes in them. Objective: To determine the metabolic syndrome and its components in...
Prevalence of water borne diseases and wash practices in rural and urban population of Chennai
Background: Poor water and sanitation facilities unequally affect women and girls. More than 30% of marginalized women are violently assaulted every year as the lack of basic sanitation forces them to travel long distanc...
Tympanosclerosis causing blockage of Middle Ear Cleft
Background: Middle ear cleft space starts from Eustachian tube, and includes middle ear, aditus & mastoid antrum. It develops from 1st visceral pouch. Blockage of middle ear cleft, particularly the aditus can...
Follow up in posterior urethral valve after primary valve fulguration or diversion with fulguration with special references to urodynamic studies
Background: Follow up of posterior urethral valve patients is very crucial as it is commonest congenital obstruction of the lower urinary tract. Objective: To evaluate outcome after surgery with special reference to urod...