Objective: Serum electrolyte (SE) disturbances are quite common in acute diarrhea. It may unrecognized and results in morbidity and mortality. Therefore serum electrolyte panels (SEP) become a frequently ordered laboratory test in acute diarrhea. The aim of this study was to provide the profile of serum electrolyte levels in children admitted with acute diarrhea in Dr. Soetomo Academic Hospital.
Method: Descriptive study of children aged 1 month – 17 years diagnosed as acute diarrhea and admitted to the pediatric ward during 2011 – 2019 had been conducted. Diagnosis of acute diarrhea and degree of dehydration were based on World Health Organization criteria. Historical data, gender, age, degree of dehydration, comorbidities, SE levels on admission and therapy were recorded from medical record.
Results: A total of 3214 children were included in this study. Most of the patients were boys (59%) and less than 12 months of age (57.3%). About 84.8%, 9.1%, and 4.8% had mild-moderate, severe, and without dehydration. SEP was examined in 72% of the subjects. Abnormalities of serum electrolyte levels were found in 48% children. According to dehydration status, abnormal serum electrolyte was found in 41.7% of those without dehydration, 45.2% of those with mild-moderate dehydration and 71.4% of severe dehydration children (p<0.001). Hypokalemia being the most common electrolyte disturbances in this study (19.3%).
Conclusion: Abnormalities in serum electrolyte mostly occurred in children with severe dehydration.