RESUMO
Background: Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances are common in critically ill patients. Early appreciation and appropriate interventions to maintain this internal milieu are lifesaving and cost effective for the patients. Objective of the study: To analyze the effects of electrolyte and acid-base disturbances on hospital mortality in critically ill patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective case control study was done on 100 patients in the intensive care unit of our hospital for six months. Results: The incidences of electrolyte and acid-base disturbances were higher in non-survivors than survivors. The serum potassium value had both clinical (4.318 in the survivors vs. 4.815 in the nonsurvivors) and statistical significance (p=0.0298) between the survivor and non-survivor group. Arterial blood HCO3 (0.0304), CO2 (P=0.0396) and pH (P=0.015) at admission were statistically different between the two groups. The incidence rates of hyperkalemia (65%), respiratory acidosis (62.5%) and mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis (65%) were higher in the non-survivor group. Conclusion: Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances hyperkalemia, respiratory acidosis and mixed respiratory with metabolic acidosis are highly associated with hospital mortality