PREVALENCE OF ELECTROLYTE DISTURBANCES IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Dr. Nadeem Shaikh*, Brahma Reddy, Dr. Ruchi Gokani, Bhavita Patel

ABSTRACT

Aims: This study is to determine the prevalence of electrolyte disturbances during acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and after standard treatment. Methods: Total 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria as; age over 16 years, asthma history, and an acute exacerbation were included. Treatment started according to GINA (Global INitiation of Asthma) protocol. Serum electrolyte levels were measured at intervals of 0 min, 90 minutes and 180 minutes and followed up to discharge. Results: Electrolyte disturbance at the time of admission was found in 27 patients (54 %);the highest proportion was Hyponatremia 16(32%),followed by Hypomagnesemia 15(30%).After standard treatment decrease in all electrolytes level was noted. Maximum drop in magnesium and potassium levels were noted at 90min,sodium and phosphorous levels at 180min.Severity of asthma was statistically and clinically significant with hypomagnesemia(P=0.04).Other electrolyte disturbances noted were not clinically significant. Conclusion: Each patient with acute exacerbation of asthma, should be screened for electrolytes disbalance, as it can alter the course of disease progression. As low serum Magnesium level is associated with more severe asthma attack,serum magnesium level should be checked during admission and at least after 2 hours of nebulisation.

Keywords: Hyponatremia, nebulization, bronchial, Global INitiation of Asthma.