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International Journal of
Medical and Health Research
ARCHIVES
VOL. 6, ISSUE 2 (2020)
Prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with infections: Retrospective analysis of clinical profile and outcome
Authors
NS Biradar, Nijora Deka, Satish Talikoti
Abstract
Aim: Study the prevalence of hypokalemia in patients admitted with infections; with an emphasis on clinical features, diagnostic and management issues in a major tertiary referral medical college hospital in Vijayapur. Methods: Retrospective analysis of hypokalemia in admitted patients with infections at Al Ameen Medical College and Hospital from December 2018 till January 2020. All admitted patients with infections under the Department of General Medicine were included in this study. Serial blood samples for estimating serum potassium were analysed at the time of admission, during hospital stay and time of discharge. Results: Out of 288 patients, 105 patients who had hypokalemia with infections were studied consisting of 61 males and 44 females. The age range was from 16 to 70 years. The most common infections were dengue 82 cases (78.1%), malaria 6 cases (5.7%), pneumonia 4 cases (3.8%), typhoid fever 3 cases (2.9%), cholecystitis 1 case (1%), viral infection 1 case (1%), tuberculosis 1 case (1%), diabetic foot ulcer 1 case (1%), cholecystitis 1 case (1%), urinary tract infection (UTI) 1 case (1%), and rickettsia 0 cases . Prevalence of hypokalemia among the in-patients on admission was 24 (23%) and during hospitalization was 39 patients (37%). The mean level of hypokalemia on admission was 3.11 + SD 0.37 mEq/L (range from 1.7 to 3.4 mEq/L) and during hospitalization was 3.13 + SD 0.25 mEq/L (range from 2.5 to 3.4 mEq/L). On admission, the ratio of mild: moderate: severe hypokalemia was 22: 2: 1 during hospital stay ratio it changed to 2: 22: 1. At discharge the ratio of mild to moderate hypokalemia was 19: 6. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypokalemia in patients admitted with infections is rarely reported though it is one of the important electrolyte abnormalities. Hypokalemia is part of NORD- the Rare Disease Database; hence often overlooked. Hypokalemia is usually well tolerated in otherwise healthy people, but it can quickly become life-threatening if severe. Mild to moderate hypokalemia increases the risks of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. As a result, when hypokalemia is identified, the underlying cause should be sought and the disorder treated.
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Pages:105-107
How to cite this article:
NS Biradar, Nijora Deka, Satish Talikoti "Prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with infections: Retrospective analysis of clinical profile and outcome". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 6, Issue 2, 2020, Pages 105-107
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