Electrolyte abnormalities in children with diarrhea and its association with inpatient stay - a single centre study from Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives

With this research, we aimed to determine the electrolyte imbalance in children with acute watery diarrhea, before and after administration of Intravenous (IV) fluids and its association with management plan post emergency department resuscitation and duration of stay at inpatient department.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study

This study was conducted at the department of Pediatrics emergency, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; for a duration of 3 months, from January 2022 to March 2022.

Methods

A total of 169 children aged between 2 months to 12 years presenting with acute watery diarrhea participated in the survey. A preformed questionnaire was filled, after obtaining informed consent from parents/guardian of each participant. The analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0.

Results

Majority participants had diarrhea for ≤7 days (75.1%), and 21.9% were severely dehydrated. The most common electrolyte abnormality found was hypokalemia (23.7%), after hydration which was reduced to 7.1%. None of the children reported hypernatremia, hyperkalemia or hypercalcemia. Around 37% children were managed inpatient, and it was associated with the status of dehydration and electrolytes level. Amongst hospitalized children, around two-third had a hospital stay of less than 3 days.

Conclusion

Electrolyte abnormalities are quite frequent in children with acute diarrhea. Hence, early detection is essential to avoid complications. Intravenous fluid replacement therapy has a significant role in correcting the electrolyte imbalances, alleviating inpatient stay and ultimately reducing the associated morbidity and mortality.