Abstract

INTRODUCTION.: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable diseases. An Exacerbation of COPD is an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms beyond normal day-to-day variations. It’s not only presents with respiratory symptoms, but also with many extra pulmonary manifestations. Disturbance in serum electrolytes is one of an extra pulmonary manifestation. The objective of the study was to find out these serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium) abnormalities in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (AE COPD) patients.
AIM.: To Study Dyselectrolytemia in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS.: The present study was a Observational Cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one and half year in Respiratory Medicine department. In our Tertiary care Centre. 50 patients with AE COPD in age group more than 40 years, Patients diagnosed with COPD based on GOLD guidelines, on history, clinical examination and spirometry, PEFR were included. Detailed history and demographic data of all patients were taken and relevant clinical and laboratory along with Serum Electrolytes (Sodium & Potassium)tests was performed. The values were analysed using statistical software.
RESULTS.: The present study shows sodium and potassium levels below normal limits in patients with AE COPD. The mean Serum Sodium Level in our study was 130.50 ± 3.74 mmol/L and Serum Potassium Level was 3.26 ± 0.37 mEq/L.54%. It was also seen that serum sodium and serum potassium levels were significantly lower in very severe cases. An improvement in PEFR was seen with increase in serum sodium levels whereas no such relation with serum potassium levels.
CONCLUSION.: Dyselectrolytemia (Sodium & Potassium) was commonly encountered in patients presenting with acute exacerbation of COPD. Significant correlation was seen between serum electrolytes and various indicators of severity of acute exacerbation of COPD like spirometry for lung function, GOLD index, PEFR. Early detection and specific management will be helpful for prevention of such abnormality