Frequency of Hyponatremia and Hypokalemia in Children with Protein Energy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hypokalemia and hyponatremia in pediatric patients with protein calorie malnutrition.

Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, PGMI, LRH, Peshawar, from August 2015 to February 2016.

Materials and Methods: 109 children with protein calorie malnutrition were selected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique.

Results: A total of 109 children with protein calorie malnutrition were included in the study. Male to female ratio was 0.94:1.Average age of the patients was 27.232 Months ±15.59 SD with range 5-60 months. Hypokalemia in PEM was observed in 38 (34.9%) while Hyponatremia was little bit high which was observed in 44(40.4%) of patients.

Conclusion: Hypokalemia and Hyponatremia are found high in patients with protein calorie malnutrition