Outcome Of Critically Ill Patients With Hypokalemia

Abstract

Background:Hypokalemia is a common clinical problem. Potassium homeostasis is frequently disturbed in critically ill patients. Underlying diseases or treatments in intensive care unit (ICU) patients often affect homeostasis of potassium level in body. Hypokalemia can lead to lethal arrhythmia. Derangements in serum potassium levels in ICU patients should therefore be avoided and monitoring of potassium is mandatory. This study identifies various factors responsible for hypokalemia in critically ill patients in ICU.Material And Methods:Retrospective evaluation of data of 80 patients from march 2018 to february 2019 who were admitted in ICU and developed hypokalemia, was done. Various factors responsible for development of hypokalemia were identified. Treatment response and outcome was evaluated.Result:Incidence of hypokalemia in critically ill patients was more in males. Diabetes mellitus (40%) and hypertension (37.5%) were common comorbidities associated with hypokalemia. Majority patients (70%) had mild hypokalemia. Insulin (37.5%), antibiotics (25%), b2 agonist (22.5%) and steroid (22.5%) were commonly responsible for development of hypokalemia. 62.5% patients were cured and discharged while 37.5% patients were died due to various complications.Conclusion:Multiple factors play an important role in development of hypokalemia in critically ill patients. Frequent monitoring of serum potassium is required in them. Severity of hypokalemia is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Early detection and correction of hypokalemia reduce the overall mortality and improve outcome in critically ill patient.[Makwana D Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(6): 64-67]