Electrolyte profile of Dengue infected patients: An observational study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Rajasthan

Abstract

Dengue infection is one of the most common and potentially fatal mosquito-borne infections in tropical and subtropical countries. No specific treatment is available and the mainstay of treatment is careful fluid management, specific organ support and correction of metabolic and electrolyte derangement. The aim of our study was to evaluate electrolyte disturbances in patients with dengue infection in our hospital. In this study we included total 60 clinically diagnosed and serologically confirmed age and sex matched dengue infected cases. Serum electrolytes [sodium, potassium & calcium] were measured using semi- auto analyser. The mean age of the study group was 32 years. 65% of the patients were males and 35% were females. On analysis it was found that the amount of calcium decreased significantly (p < 0.03) in the study group as compared to control group while value of sodium (p < 0.6) and potassium (p < 0.5) reduced non-significantly. Hence timely diagnosis and supportive therapy of these electrolyte disturbances can reduce associated morbidity and mortality in dengue patients.