The electrolyte profile among pediatric patients with dengue fever admitted in Philippine Children’s Medical Center

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the electrolyte profile (Sodium, Potassium and Calcium) of non-shock dengue patients admitted at Philippine Children’s Medical Center in 2012.@*DESIGN@#Retrospective cross-sectional study. Chart review was done, each of which underwent 3-stage screening process, aided by a data-collection form, to confirm the diagnosis based on the WHO Criteria@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@# Electrolyte profile and prevalence of electrolyte derangements.@*RESULTS@#The mean sodium, potassium and calcium levels among non-shock pediatric dengue levels are 136.87 ±0.03 meq/L, 4.01 meq/L and 2.09 mmol/L respectively. The most common electrolyte disturbance ishypocalcemia occurring in ~69% of patients. The prevalence of hyponatremia and hypokalemia were ~27% and ~8% respectively. All electrolyte abnormalities were frequently observed in the >6year to 12 years age group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hyponatremia, hypokalemia and hypocalcemia were observed among the non-shock dengue patients in this study, however only hypokalemia and hypocalcemia were shown to be clinically significant. @*RECOMMENDATIONS@#Having established the electrolyte trend among non-shock dengue patients, controlled cohort studies that show association to disease outcome is recommended. Since this study showed significant results on the prevalence of electrolyte disturbances across all age groups, metabolic derangements may contribute to significant morbidities. Thus these should be addressed in symptomatic patients.