Evaluation of Serum Electrolyte Status among Normal Healthy Individuals and Newly Diagnosed Cases of Pulmonary TB in Tertiary Care Hospital in Bidar: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating are common features of tuberculosis (TB) infection and have been described as possible cause of loss of water and electrolyte fluid-electrolyte and acid-base derangement frequently encountered in TB and have been found to be a major factor for development of acute renal failure. In view of this associated water and electrolytes derangement and cytochemical changes in TB, this study was undertaken to evaluate common electrolytes status in patients with TB from that of normal healthy individuals. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the imbalance of some electrolytes like serum sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate among patients infected with mycobacterium TB in comparison with the normal healthy individuals at BRIMS Teaching Hospital, Bidar. Materials and methods: This was observational study conducted among the patients attending department of pulmonary medicine at BRIMS Teaching Hospital, Bidar. Demographic data and serum electrolytes levels were analysed among those diagnosed with TB patients and compared with normal individuals. Results: Fifty normal individuals (group I) and 50 newly diagnosed TB patients (group II) were included in the study. In the newly diagnosed TB patients, there was a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in sodium and potassium levels and increase in chloride and bicarbonate values compared with normal control group. The odds of having hyponatremia and hypokalemia among the newly diagnosed TB patients were 2.57 and 0.92, respectively, as compared to normal healthy individuals. Conclusion: Our results revealed that the electrolyte imbalance was significantly associated with the newly diagnosed TB patients as compared to the normal healthy individuals. Because of the high incidence of the electrolyte disturbances in TB patients, close monitoring and aggressive management are mandatory.