STUDY OF SERUM ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE AND ABG ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE EXACERBATION OF COPD

Abstract

Background: Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is a frequent cause of hospitalization in patients with COPD. It is commonly associated with disturbances in arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters and serum electrolytes. Since these abnormalities may indicate the need for ventilatory support, early identification of these changes can help clinicians plan appropriate management. The current study aimed to determine the ABG abnormalities in patients with AECOPD. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in 50 cases of AECOPD admitted to our hospital. The age of the patients was ≥ 40 years. Demographic and clinical details of the cases were recorded in a standard proforma. Patients were subjected to estimation of Serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, which were measured using an ion-selective electrode analyzer. The arterial blood gas analysis was performed using a calibrated blood gas analyzer. The duration of hospital stay was also recorded. The results were analyzed by using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 9.2 years. Male dominance was seen with male patients constituting 76% of cases. Electrolyte abnormalities were found in 78% of cases, and hyponatremia was the common electrolyte abnormality in 52%. ABG abnormalities were recorded in 92% cases. Respiratory acidosis (56%) and Type II respiratory failure (60%) of cases. Mean serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels differed significantly across ABG categories. Patients with electrolyte abnormalities required ventilatory support 76.9% versus 45.5% without electrolyte abnormalities, and the p-values were significant. Conclusion: This study found that serum electrolyte and ABG abnormalities are common in AECOPD. The abnormalities were closely associated with disease severity, requirement for ventilatory support, and duration of hospital stay. Therefore, assessment of serum electrolytes with arterial blood gas analysis can facilitate early identification of high-risk patients and improve prognosis by appropriate clinical management.