Frequency of Electrolyte Imbalance in Patients Presenting With Acute Stroke

Abstract

IntroductionElectrolyte disturbances are commonly reported in acute stroke in studies conducted in the western world. Presently, the data available about the prevalence of electrolyte disturbance in patients with stroke are not sufficient, especially from developing countries. The purpose of our study is to determine the frequency of occurrence of electrolyte imbalance in patients presenting with acute stroke in a tertiary care hospital. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of internal medicine and neurology in a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan, from December 2019 to March 2021. A total of 300 patients, aged between 30 and 70 years, with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, as diagnosed on contrast tomography (CT) scan of the head or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, were enrolled in the study. The biochemical analysis of the stroke patients was done. ResultsOut of the 300 participants, 139 (46.3%) participants were from the ischemic stroke group while 161 (53.7%) were from the hemorrhagic stroke group. The mean sodium level was significantly lower in the ischemic group as compared to the hemorrhagic group (129.41 ± 3.12 mEq/L vs. 134.42 ± 3.46 mEq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Potassium level was significantly higher in the hemorrhagic group compared to the ischemic group (6.27 ± 1.12 mmol vs. 4.31 ± 0.71 mmol; p-value: <0.0001). ConclusionPatients coming to emergency with stroke should be screened immediately for electrolyte imbalance. Early identification of rapid imbalances of serum electrolytes may aid in prompt medical intervention and resultant improved outcomes in stroke patients. It is crucial that electrolyte imbalances in these patients are closely monitored to avoid any complications.

Association of potassium and sodium parameters with the type of stroke

“…In this study; laboratory results and diagnostic groups were compared, and it was detected that the mean K value in the HS group and the mean Na value in the IS group were statistically significantly lower. In the study of Mansoor et al [5] in which stroke diagnosis groups and laboratory results were compared, the mean Na value was low in the IS group similar to our study, but the K value was higher in the HS group. Although there are studies in the literature reporting that hyponatremia is more common in the IS group, there are also studies reporting that it is more common in the HS group [8,18].…”

“…Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) balance disorders have been reported as the most common electrolyte abnormalities in patients with stroke [5]. Making the differential diagnosis of IS and HS at an early stage in patients with suspected stroke is essential for the management of patient follow-up and treatment [6].…”

Ischemic Stroke Risk Factor Profile at Prof. Dr. W. Z. Johannes Hospital, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

“…Furthermore, electrolyte imbalances may also affect the function of platelets, blood clotting, and inflammation, all of which are involved in the development of stroke. 10 Smoking has long been associated with cultural and heritage-related habits in Indonesia. 34 According to several studies, 39.5% of Indonesians aged 15 and over are active smokers in 2016 which is 7.4% higher than the global average.…”

“…8,9 A study on electrolyte levels has also found that they can predict a patient's prognosis by preventing complications related to electrolyte imbalance. 10 In ischemic stroke patients, the blood is associated with a poor prognosis at 30 days. 11 Ischemic stroke patients also tend to have a greater NIHSS if they have a higher platelet count or platelet index.…”

Systemic immune inflammatory index is an independent predictor for the requirement of decompressive craniectomy in large artery occlusion acute ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy

“…The study by Wang et al ( 35 ) showed that serum potassium level at admission was associated with stroke recurrence in AIS patients, and some scholars have proposed that emergency stroke patients should be screened immediately for electrolyte disturbances. Early detection and correction of the imbalance of serum potassium improve the prognosis of stroke patients ( 36 ). The nomogram we developed showed the predictive power of common clinical factors for DC and can help doctors' decision-making.…”