Frequency of Electrolyte Disorders among Children with Diarrhea Presenting at BKMC/GKMC Swabi

Khurshid Ali; Haji Gul; Ashfaq Ahmed; Asim Mehmood; Aqal Zada; . Rahimdad

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i4.2370

Authors

Khurshid Ali Department of Pediatrics, Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi, Pakistan
Haji Gul Department of Pediatrics, Bacha Khan Medical Complex Swabi, Pakistan
Ashfaq Ahmed Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals Swat, Pakistan
Asim Mehmood Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals Swat, Pakistan
Aqal Zada Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals Swat, Pakistan
. Rahimdad Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals Swat, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i4.2370

Keywords:

Diarrhoea, Electrolyte disorders, Hyperchloremia, Hyperkalemia, Hypernatremia, Children

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide and is frequently complicated by electrolyte disturbances that can worsen clinical outcomes. Early identification of electrolyte abnormalities is essential for appropriate fluid management and prevention of serious complications. Understanding the pattern of electrolyte disorders in children with diarrhea can improve clinical care and guide treatment strategies. Objective: To determine the frequency of electrolyte disorders among children with diarrhea presenting at Bacha Khan Medical College, Swabi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 153 children aged 1–6 years of either gender presenting with acute diarrhea and enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling from 01-June-2024 to 01-December-2024 in the Pediatric Department of Bacha Khan Medical Complex, Swabi. Diarrhea was defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools within 24 hours for up to 10 days, accompanied by abdominal pain, flatulence, and urgency. Children with drug-induced diarrhea or gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded. Venous blood samples were collected aseptically for laboratory assessment of serum electrolytes. The primary outcomes were hyperchloremia, hyperkalemia, and hypernatremia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of electrolyte disorders, while post-stratification analysis was performed using the chi-square test. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the 153 children was 3.54 ± 1.68 years, with a mean body weight of 14.14 ± 4.43 kg. There were 85 (55.6%) males and 68 (44.4%) females. Hyperchloremia was the most common electrolyte disorder, occurring in 46 (30.1%) children, followed by hyperkalemia in 32 (20.9%) and hypernatremia in 20 (13.1%). A statistically significant association was observed between younger age (1–3 years) and the occurrence of electrolyte disorders (p = 0.039), with hyperkalemia and hypernatremia being more frequent in this age group. Conclusion: Hyperchloremia was the most common electrolyte disorder among children with diarrhoea, followed by hyperkalemia and hypernatremia. Younger children aged 1–3 years were at significantly higher risk of developing electrolyte abnormalities, highlighting the importance of early electrolyte assessment and prompt correction in pediatric patients with diarrhea.

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