Electrolyte imbalance in critically ill paediatric patients

To determine the frequency and outcome of electrolyte imbalance in seriously ill children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a public sector hospital in Karachi.

All children between the ages of one month to 12 years admitted in PICU from May 2017 to October 2017 were included. Blood samples were drawn to determine the baseline sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous and followed 24 hourly or earlier, if needed (Those who had imbalance at admission or on subsequent repeat labs as per protocol).

A total of 101 children were included in the study. Electrolyte imbalance was seen in 84%. A single electrolyte imbalance was noted in 30.58%. Hypocalcemia was the most frequent abnormality noted in 57.6%. Among the total expiries during the study period 91% had electrolyte imbalance. Mortality within 48 hours and duration of stay was also increased in these patients.

Electrolyte imbalance is an important prognostic indicator in critically ill patients.