Frequency of Hypokalemia in Children with Acute Watery Diarrhea Admitted to Children Ward Mardan Medical Complex Mardan

Background: Acute watery diarrhea is a common illness in children in the developing world and is associated with significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Of the electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia is common and can cause significant problems if not recognized in the early stages. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypokalaemia in children with acute watery diarrhoea admitted in tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was carried out from 1 September 2024 to 1 March 2025 in paediatric department of Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan. Methodology: A total of 145 children aged 6 months to 5 years with acute watery diarrhoea were included. Blood samples were taken before starting treatment to measure serum potassium level. Hypokalaemia was labelled when value was ≤3.5 mmol per litre. Data was analysed by statistical package for social sciences version 26. Results: Mean age of patients was 2.78 ± 1.39 years. Out of 145 children, 68 (46.90%) were found to have hypokalaemia. Hypokalaemia was more common in male children 40 (56.3%) than female 28 (37.8%) with significant association (p = 0.026). Longer duration of diarrhoea more than 5 days also showed higher frequency 40 (57.1%) with significant association (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Hypokalaemia is common problem in children with acute watery diarrhoea and early detection is important to prevent complications.