Abstract

ELECTROLYTE DISORDERS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS

Chitra B.*, Aarthi Priya C., Keziah Ann Babu and Shirlin M. S.

ABSTRACT

The mainstay of medical therapy for hypertension and cardiac problems have historically been diuretics and thereupon its pattern of use could be studied effectively. The current study aimed to estimate the prescribing pattern of diuretics and to identify the electrolyte disorders among patients receiving diuretics for the management of various co-morbid conditions. This study was an observational prospective design involving 100 participants on diuretic therapy admitted at the general medicine department and intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. The use of diuretics such as frusemide, spironolactone and mannitol were significantly high in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease and renal disorders. Diuretic use led to several electrolyte disorders like hyperchloremia, hyperbicarbonatemia, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypobicarbonatemia and hyperkalemia. Since diuretic-induced electrolyte imbalance was observed quite often during the period of study, the clinical pharmacist could be effectively assigned to monitor the electrolyte levels thereby reducing the frequency and occurrence of adverse effects.

Keywords: Prescribing pattern, Diuretics, Electrolyte disorders, Intensive Care Unit, Drug- related problems.