Electrolyte imbalances among patients admitted to the adult emergency resuscitation unit at a referral hospital

Mamani-Quiroz R.; Zárate-Panty M.; Oscanoa-Espinoza T.; Amado-Tineo J. · Horizonte Medico (2025) · DOI: 10.24265/horizmed.2025.v25n4.01

Resumen

Objective: To determine the most frequent electrolyte imbalances among patients admitted to the adult emergency resuscitation unit at a referral hospital. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 including patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to the emergency resuscitation unit. Age, sex, reason for admission, and comorbidities were recorded and compared with serum sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate levels at admission. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted through multinomial logistic regression, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Approval was obtained from the institutional research ethics committee. Results: A total of 193 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23). Men accounted for 62.70 %. Cardiovascular and endocrine comorbidities were present in 38 % and 18 % of patients, respectively. The most frequent admission diagnoses were respiratory failure (31.61 %), cerebrovascular events (10.36 %), encephalopathy (10.36 %), and acute abdomen (9.33 %). Sodium imbalances were observed in 51.30 %, chlorine imbalances in 51.20 %, and potassium imbalances in 42.50 %. Overall, 61.66 % of patients presented with two or more electrolyte imbalances. The most frequent individual imbalances were hyperchloremia (44.60 %), hyponatremia (37.80 %), hypocalcemia (29.5 %), and hypokalemia (24.90 %). Hyperkalemia was significantly associated with age > 60 years (p = 0.039) and a history of kidney disease (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most frequent electrolyte imbalances were hyperchloremia, hypocalcemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia, with multiple disorders present in more than half of the patients. Hyperkalemia was associated with age > 60 years and chronic kidney disease.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos