Evaluation of electrolyte status of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and fasting blood sugar at the initial admission of individuals with COVID-19 without underlying disease in Golestan Hospital, Kermanshah

Abstract

We examined electrolyte imbalance and blood sugar levels in patients with COVID-19 who had no underlying disease. This cross-sectional study in a clinical center was performed in Kermanshah, west of Iran. All patients who had a record of magnesium (Mg²⁺), potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na+), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) tests in their clinical files at the time of admission to the hospital from April 21 to July 12, and didn't have a history of an underlying disease, were included in the study. Patients were divided into outpatient (as less severe COVID-19) and intensive care units (ICU) (as severe COVID-19). For statistical analysis of collected data, the SPSS software (version 16) was used. Among a total of 134 patients, 58 cases (24 ICU and 34 outpatients) were included in the study. The mean and median age was 56 and 62 years, respectively. From all included, 33 men (57%), 25 women (43%), 52 urban (89.7%), 6 rural (10.3%), 41 alive (70.7%), and 17 died (29.3%) were recorded. From all included patients, 49.1% hyperglycemia, 38% hyponatremia, 7.3% hypokalemia, and 32% hypomagnesemia were observed. Unlike the mean of age and the level of K+, there was a statistically significant difference between the outpatient and ICU groups in terms of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and FBS (p < 0.05). Hyperglycemia and electrolyte imbalance in COVID-19 patients is feasible. Therefore, notice to measuring these cases and monitoring the patient can be effective in the treatment process and prevent the serious complications of the disease.

Keywords: Blood glucose; COVID-19; electrolytes; magnesium; potassium; sodium.