STUDY OF SERUM ELECTROLYTES IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF COPD PATIENTS

Background: Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyponatremia and hypokalemia, are frequently observed in patients experiencing acute exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD). These imbalances may have a direct association with the severity and prognosis of the disease.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hyponatremia and hypokalemia in AECOPD patients and to assess their correlation with clinical indicators of disease severity.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients admitted with AECOPD. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured and correlated with oxygen saturation, spirometry results, GOLD staging, illness duration, and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).

Results: In this study of 50 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, the mean age was 57.98 8.44 years, with 80% males and 92% from rural backgrounds. Tobacco exposure was seen in 80% of cases, and breathlessness was the most common symptom (100%). The mean BMI was 51.90 10.19 and mean PEFR was 111.60 29.64 L/min. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia were observed in 92% and 86% of patients, respectively, with mean serum sodium at 130.50 3.74 mmol/L and potassium at 3.26 0.37 mEq L. Electrolyte levels showed no correlation with age, gender, or MMRC grade, but were significantly lower in patients with very severe COPD. A negative correlation was found between disease duration and electrolyte levels, while serum sodium positively correlated with exacerbation frequency and PEFR.

Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia and hypokalemia, are prevalent among hospitalized AECOPD patients and are closely linked with disease severity. Early detection and prompt correction of these abnormalities are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in such patients.