Prevalence of Electrolyte Disturbance in Hospitalized Chronic liver Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Center of Nepal: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dyselectrolytemia is frequently associated phenomenon in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). These disorder occur due to multiple pathophysiologic mechanism and has significant impact in the morbidity, prognosis and mortality of the patient. This study aims to find out prevalence and severity of electrolytes imbalance in hospitalized patients with chronic liver diseases.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the medical ward and ICU of Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences from 15 June 2022 to 15 May 2023. Sixty seven patients with established CLD were included in the study after ethical approval was obtained. Demographic profile, clinical features and relevant biochemical investigations were performed and recorded. Data were entered and coded in Microsoft excel and analysis was performed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.

Results: Hyponatremia 25 (37.3%) was the most common electrolyte disturbance followed by hypomagnesaemia 8 (11.94%), hypokalemia 7 (10.44%), hyperkalemia 5(7.46%) and hypocalcaemia 5(7.46%).Mild hyponatremia 15(22.89%) was predominant electrolyte imbalance.

Conclusion: Electrolytes imbalance is common in patients with CLD, most common being hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. These prevalence are higher in CTP class C patients.