Study of electrolyte disturbance in chronic liver disease patients attending a hospital in Kumaon region

Abstract

Introduction: Pathophysiological changes secondary to cirrhosis predispose patients of chronic liver disease to develop various electrolyte disturbances which have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and prognosis of these patients. This study aims to estimate the level of electrolyte disturbance and its association with the severity, complication, and outcome in chronic liver disease patients attending a hospital in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Methods: Our study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted on 100 chronic liver disease patients at the OPD/IPD Department of Medicine, Dr. Sushila Tiwari Hospital, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, from January 2020 to September 2021.

Results: Hyponatremia was observed in 49% of the patients, hypokalemia in 30%, and hypocalcemia in 16% of the patients. The electrolyte levels were similar irrespective of the disease severity and presence of complications. The sodium and potassium levels had a significant association with the outcomes.

Conclusion: Hyponatremia was the commonest electrolyte disturbance seen in the study patients. No significant association was observed between the electrolyte and severity of the disease and complications.

Keywords: Chronic liver disease; Kumaon; electrolyte; hypocalcemia; hypokalemia; hyponatremia.