Three Serum Electrolytes Profile (Na+, K+ and Cl-) of Anaemic Patients at the Biyem-Assi District Hospital in Yaounde (Cameroon)

Abstract

Abstract:This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of serum sodium, potassium and chlorine disorders on anaemic patients and to assess their effects and measures of managing it. A prospective study was conducted on 110 patients at the Biyem-Assi District Hospital (Yaounde, Cameroon). Normal serum concentrations of sodium, potassium and chlorine were considered as 136 -145 mEq/l, 3.5 -5.0 mEq/l and 96 -106 mEq/l respectively. The variables were considered significant when P < 0.005. Out of the total number of people recorded, there were 81 females (73.64 %) and 29 males (26.36 %). The prevalence of sodium imbalance hyponatremia, and hypernatremia are 20 (18.18 %) and 0 (0 %) respectively. The prevalence of potassium imbalance hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were 12 (10.91 %) and 14 (12.73 %) respectively. The prevalence of chloride disturbance, hypochloremia and hyperchloremia were 2 (1.82 %) and 21 (19.09 %) respectively. Amongst the variables chosen, only three variables had p-values that were significant that is sodium and level of education, potassium and occupation, and potassium and diarrhoea, but some were not significant for the study. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia were highly prevalent in anemic patients. The severity of serum sodium, potassium and chlorine disturbances on anemic patients remains a significant predictor of mortality. Thus, correcting electrolyte disturbances in these anemic patients is important. Serum chloride levels showed no particular pattern or significant difference on the various variables.