Frequency of Electrolyte Imbalance in Children of Pediatricacute Diarrhea

Objective: To find out the electrolyte abnomalities among children affected by pediatric acute diarrhea. Methods: Two hundred and eighty children fulfilling the inclusion/exclusion criteria admitted in Department of Pediatrics, Services Hospital, Lahore was taken. Informed consent of the parents of children was obtained to include their data in the study. Demographic profile age, gender, was recorded. Every children with acute diarrhea was followed through 5cc venous blood test sent to the hospital laboratory with the help of pramedical staff of the hospital for evaluation of electrolyte imbalance. Results: In our study, out of 280 cases of Pediatric acute diarrhea, 50 %( n=140) had up to 1 year of age. 64%(n=174) were male while 38 %( n=106) were females. Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte abnormality effecting 22.5% males and 6.5% females followed by hypokalemia.Electrolyte imbalance was more common in children of age group 2-5years. Conclusion: Electrolyte and acid base abnormalities are common in children with acute watery diarrhea affecting children of 3-12 months of age. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia are the most common abnormalities. Both abnormalities increase with an increase in duration of diarrhea, occur more frequently in patients who are severely dehydrated. Keywords: Electrolyte imbalance, paediatric acute diarrhea, hyponatremia