A study of serum electrolytes and calcium in chronic kidney disease in rural Maharashtra

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for >3 months. With progressive loss of kidney function, derangements in electrolytes and acid-base inevitably occur and contribute to poor patient outcomes. The present study was undertaken to study the serum levels of calcium and electrolytes in various stages of CKD.Method: This study was conducted in 150 newly diagnosed cases of CKD admitted in Medicine ward and those visiting OPD of Tertiary Care Hospital, Shri Vasantarao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal during a period from 1 February 2018 to 31 October 2019. These patients fulfilled the criteria set by National Kidney Foundations’ Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative for diagnosing CKD. They were studied and evaluated clinically, and laboratory investigated.Results: Most of the patients were presented in stage III (34.7%) followed by in stage V (32.7%) and stage IV (30%). As CKD deteriorates, there was worsening in renal echogenicity in ultrasonography. The serum albumin was found to be decreased and urine albumin increased as CKD progresses. In different stages of CKD, the variation in level of serum sodium was insignificant (p>0.05), while that of increase in potassium and decrease in calcium as CKD deteriorates was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Because of negligence and lack of awareness, most of the patients are detected in advanced stages of CKD and is associated with wide electrolyte and calcium abnormalities. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these patients in their early stages of CKD along with prompt and early recognition of derangements in electrolytes and calcium.