Publication: Serum Electrolyte Abnormality in Children Admitted to Paediatric Emergency and ward: A Cross-Sectional Study
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract::
Introduction: The electrolyte disturbances resulting from underlying disease can adversely affect outcomes in children. Few previous studies have been conducted inthe paediatric intensive care unit regarding electrolytes disturbances. This study aimed at calculatingtheprevalence of dyselectrolytemia involving sodium and potassium in the paediatric emergency, and ward of a tertiary care center.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary center from 10th November 2023 to 30th December 2023, after obtaining ethical clearance (reference: 216/080/081-IRC). A total of 112 children from one month to 18 years of age were included via the convenience sampling method. The variables included age, sex, diagnosis, serum sodium, and potassium.
Results: The serum electrolyte abnormality was observed in 49.1% of patients. The most common admitting diagnosis was pneumonia in 47.3%. The mean age of children was 3.7 years with male preponderance (58%). The most prevalent electrolyte abnormality was hyponatremia (45.5%), followed by hyperkalemia (8%), hypokalemia (0.9%), and no cases of hypernatremia. Approximately, half (49%) of children with pneumonia had hyponatremia.
Conclusions:There is a high burden of serum electrolyte abnormalityin children admitted to paediatric emergency and ward of which hyponatremia appears to be the commonest.
Description
Bipesh Kumar Shah
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal.
Niraz Paudel
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal.
Alina Paudel
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal.
Shresha Aryal
Department of Paediatrics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal.
Keywords
Electrolyte imbalance, emergency, hyponatremia, paediatric