Electrolyte Disturbances in PICU: A Cross Sectional Study

Sodium disorders are one of the most important electrolyte disturbances in children admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of electrolyte disturbances and the associated factors in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. All patients hospitalized in PICU of Ali Ebne Abi Talib Hospital during a year since October 2015 considered for the study. Electrolyte disturbances involving; sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were identified in PICU. Statistical tests were determined at 5% error level. The prevalence of sodium, calcium and magnesium abnormalities was not significantly different in gender of patients (P > 0.05), but, the prevalence of hypokalemia (9.5% versus 1.7%) and hyperkalemia (37.8% vs. 31.3%) were higher in girls compared with boys. (P = 0.021). The rate of hyponatremia (29.3% vs. 13.1%) and hypernatremia (18.3% vs. 15.9%) in children who had died were significantly higher than in alive children. (P = 0.013). The prevalence of all electrolyte disorders was not significantly different from those of diuretics consumption (P > 0.05). Hyperkalemia though (41% versus 27.3%) was significantly higher in children with diuretic use than in other children. (P = 0.022). The frequency of electrolytes abnormalities in children was not significantly different between diseases (P > 0.05). The study concluded that the frequency of electrolytes was significantly different in deceased children compared to alive children. However, hyperkalemia was significantly higher in children with diuretic use than in other children. Therefore, it is much necessary to measure these electrolytes in course of hospitalization.