Abstract:
Objective: To determine the frequency of electrolyte disorders, i.e., serum sodium and potassium and to evaluate its effect
on mortality rate among children admitted at the pediatric intensive care unit.
Study Design and Setting: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at Pediatric Intensive care unit of Civil
Hospital Karachi from April to December 2017
Methodology: Informed consent was obtained from 150 parents of the children who fulfill the inclusion criteria. Laboratory
data (serum sodium and serum potassium) were recorded during the stay in the pediatric intensive care unit. Data was
analyzed using SPSS version 20. Mean ± S.D was calculated for quantitative variables. Frequency and percentage were
calculated for gender, electrolyte disorders and mortality. Effect modifiers were controlled by stratification of age, gender
and electrolyte disorders (Hypernatremia, Hyponatremia, Hyperkalemia, and Hypokalemia). Post-stratification, Chi-squared
test was applied. P-value = 0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Out of 150 patients, electrolyte disorders in terms of serum sodium and potassium, were found in 86(57.3%)
children. Mortality in children with electrolyte disorders was found to be 46(53.5%) which was significantly higher (P<0.001)
than patients without electrolyte disorders 40(46.5%). Hypernatremia was found in 48(32%), hyponatremia 24(16%),
hyperkalemia 21(14%) and hypokalemia in 42(28%) patients.In comparison; of electrolyte disorders with mortality;
significant association was found in hypernatremia (P<0.001), and hyperkalemia (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The most common electrolyte abnormalities were hypernatremia and hypokalemia. Mortality was significantly
higher in subjects with electrolyte disorders, especially hypernatremia and hyperkalemia.