STUDY ON SERUM ELECTROLYTES AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/kjvn2468Keywords:
COPD, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorousAbstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important diseases among adults which is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Presence of electrolyte imbalance affects the outcome of the patients with COPD particularly in those with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).
Objectives:
- To find out the prevalence of electrolyte imbalance in patients with COPD
- To identify the relation between severity of COPD and electrolyte levels.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months from January to June 2025. Both male and female patients those who were aged more than 18 years admitted in the in-patient department of General Medical department were included in the study. Patients in all stages of COPD were recruited. All patients were interviewed using a structured proforma and the investigations such as complete blood count (CBC), liver function test (LFT), renal function test (RFT), serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chest X ray and spirometry were done. Appropriate statistical tests were performed.
Results: A total of 100 patients with COPD were included in the study. Mean age of the study participants was 57.8 years. Majority of the participants (78%) were male. Complete blood count, liver function test and renal function test were normal in all the patients. All the patients had hyperinflation of lungs in the X ray. The mean FEV1 (predicted %) in the study group was 57.9% which was ranging from 36 to 75%. Among the total study participants, 74% had moderate COPD and 26% had severe COPD. The mean sodium and potassium level was significantly less among patients with severe COPD than patients with moderate COPD. Serum calcium and phosphorous levels were almost similar between patients with moderate and severe COPD. Among the total 100 patients, 27% had hyponatremia, 12% had hypokalemia, 1% had hypophosphatemia and all the patients had normal calcium levels.
Conclusion: Hyponatremia and hypokalemia were common in patients with COPD. Severity of COPD had significant association with electrolyte levels.
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