Study of electrolyte abnormalities in patients with dengue infection at a tertiary hospital

 

 

Abstract              Background: Dengue infection is an important arthropod-borne disease worldwide, with an average of 50 - 100 million infections that occur every year. Electrolyte disturbances takes place in dengue infection. Hypokalemia and hyponatremia is commonly found in dengue patients. In the present study serum sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride were estimated to find the electrolyte abnormalities in dengue patients. Material and Methods: This study was a prospective, observational study conducted department of medicine, in patients of age more than 18 years admitted and tested with NS1/ IgM antigen positive for dengue virus infection. Results: During study period, total 138 patients satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for present study. 19 – 39 years age group was most common (41%) followed by 40 – 59 years age group (34 %) and > 60 years age group (25 %). Male patients (54 %) were more than female patients (54 %). Mean age in present study was 41.5 ± 12.4 years. Serum electrolyte mean values were 137.04 ± 6.31 mEq/L, 3.82 ± 0.66 mEq/L and 106.04 ± 3.24 mEq/L for sodium, potassium and chloride respectively. According to WHO classification we had 45 % patients of dengue fever and 55% patients of dengue haemorrhagic fever. Serum chloride levels were normal in all patients. In present study hyponatremia was noted in 22% patients while hypernatremia was noted in 2% patients. 75% patients had normal serum sodium levels. Mild, moderate and severe hyponatremia was noted in 15 %, 4 % and 3 % patients respectively. Hypokalemia was noted in 26% patients while hyperkalemia was noted in 1% patient. 73% patients had normal serum sodium levels. Mild, moderate and severe hyponatremia was noted in 20 %, 4 % and 2 % patients respectively. Conclusion: Hyponatemia and hypokalemia are the commonest electrolyte disturbances seen in dengue fever. Considering the variations in serum electrolyte levels in patients of dengue and high incidence of dengue in India, it is necessary to have a degree of suspicion in patients of dengue about electrolyte disturbances and treat them accordingly.

Key Words: Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, Dengue Fever, Electrolyte Disturbances.