Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances in the critically ill patients: A retrospective case control study

ABSTRACT

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