FREQUENCY OF ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE IN CHILDREN PRESENTING WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS

Abstract

Background: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common cause of morbidity among children, which tends to cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The presence of electrolyte disturbances, especially sodium and potassium may complicate the treatment, and the risk of adverse outcomes increases.

Objective: To find out the prevalence and nature of the electrolyte imbalances in children who present with acute gastroenteritis and determine whether they are associated with the severity of dehydration.

Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional one that was carried out in the Paediatric Department of Mayo Hospital Lahore during March 2023 to  September 2023 . They were children aged 6 months to 12 years that had acute gastroenteritis. The WHO sample size calculator was used to determine the size of the sample (n=188). Children that have chronic gastrointestinal or renal diseases, metabolic disorders or are on drugs that influence electrolytes were excluded. Informed consent was obtained and demographic and clinical information, such as age, gender, duration of illness, and dehydration status were taken. To quantify serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, blood samples were taken at presentation and analyzed using standard lab procedures. Definite electrolyte imbalance was identified as hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L), hypernatremia (>145 mmol/L), hypokalaemia (<3.5 mmol/L), hyperkalaemia (>5.5 mmol/L) and metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate <18 mmol/L). Data analysis was done by paying attention to SPSS-25, and using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p<0.05) to determine the relationship between the severity of dehydration and other variables.

Results: One hundred and eighty-eight children were put on record, and the imbalances of the electrolytes were detected in 62. The most frequent one was hyponatremia (35%), then came the one Hypokalaemia (20%), then Hypernatremia (7%), and finally the one Metabolic acidosis (15%). Severe dehydration was highly linked with various abnormalities in electrolytes and mild and moderate showed fewer abnormalities. The necessity of early electrolyte evaluation and correct fluid management of children with acute gastroenteritis was emphasized in cases of early hydration and decreased hospital stay.

Conclusion: Children with AGE usually experience electrolyte imbalances especially when moderately to severely dehydrated. The diagnosis and treatment of complications should be identified early to avoid complications and lead to the proper fluid therapy.