A Study Of Electrolyte Abnormalities In Acute Exacerbation Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / COPD is a multifactorial disease involving various electrolyte abnormalities. This study aimed at evaluating serum electrolyte levels in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Material And Methods: This study aimed at evaluating serum electrolyte levels in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. This study included 100 cases & 100 controls with acute exacerbation of COPD admitted in intensive care unit. All the patients from the cases group were screened for Ca+2 & Mg+2 abnormalities during their intensive care unit stay. In group 1 (cases) correction for abnormal electrolytes were given on the day of admission. Treatment, antibiotics selection, metabolic parameters correction & acid base correction were considered equally in both the groups as per GOLD (Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease) guidelines. Symptomatic patients after 48 hours of intensive care unit admission were screened for calcium & magnesium levels & prevalence of hypocalcemia & hypomagnesemia was calculated. Result: It was found out that average duration of intensive care unit stay was reduced significantly in group 1 (cases) in whom the correction of electrolyte imbalance was considered at the time of admission. Also, in the control group, who were still symptomatic after 48 hours of intensive care unit treatment, a significant proportion was found to have hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia (Electrolytes measured after 48 hours). Conclusion: In stable COPD patients there are abnormal serum electrolytes that may get further deranged during acute exacerbations. Thus serum electrolytes level should be monitored routinely in these patients & an attempt should be made to correct them at the earliest to avoid poor outcomes. [Bhansali P Natl J Integr Res Med, 2022; 13(1): 101-104, Published on 26/01/2022]