Clinico-Etiological Profile of Electrolyte Imbalance among Patients in a Government Hospital in Dakshina Kannada

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hyponatremia is a state of electrolyteimbalance with a high prevalence rate, it is one of the leadingcause of morbidity and mortality in our settings. The aim ofthis study was to evaluate the clinical features and etiology ofhyponatremia in patients admitted in our government hospital.Material and methods: A 1-year prospective cross-sectionalobservational study was conducted on adult patients withmoderate-to-severe hyponatremia admitted to the hospital.Patients demographics were recorded and investigations weredocumented. Data were analyzed using independent samplet-test.Results: Vomiting (28) followed by confusion (26) was themost common complaint. Confusion was significantly highin patients with severe hyponatremia as compared to patientswith moderate. Increased urine sodium levels were observedin these patientsConclusion: Patients with hyponatremia secondary to aninfectious cause should be meticulously screened and timelyand effective treatment of hyponatremia is determined by theeffective understanding of pathophysiology and associatedrisk factors of hyponatremia.