Dehydration disturbs the delicate balance of electrolytes in the individuals; children are

especially vulnerable to dehydration due to their small size and fast metabolism, which
causes them to replace water and electrolytes at a faster rate than adults. An illness
that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea and a high fever increases the risk of a fluid and
electrolyte disturbance, as does taking medication which results in excessive urination.
Conditions that affect the production of thyroid hormones and parathyroid hormones,
which help regulate calcium and other electrolytes, can also make a child susceptible to
a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The higher and lower value of critical electrolytes like
sodium, potassium and chloride can affect cellular processes drastically as it may result
in cardiac and neurological complications altering the patient's status in terms of
morbidity and mortality.
The PICU patients were regularly monitored for the electrolyte imbalance.
Demographics of patients and their detailed medical history were documented for the
study. The parents or the guardian of these patients have signed information consent
for this study. Chi-square was applied for association of electrolyte imbalance with the
outcome, P-value < 0.
Amongst these patients, 83 patients were females and 97 patients were males.
During admission, 72 patients had respiratory diseases, 24 patients had
sepsis/infection, 36 patients had neurological diseases, and 18 patients had
cardiovascular illnesses, 12 patients had gastrointestinal illnesses and 18 patients
had endocrinal diseases. Hypernatremia was observed in 63 patients while
hyponatremia in 56 patients. Hyperkalemia in 49 patients while hypokalemia in 26
patients. Hyperchloremia was observed in 44 patients while hypochloremia in 10
patients
The purpose study is mainly to analyze sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in
critically ill PICU patients. These electrolytes were examined for various electrolyte
problems in relation to the underlying illness, as well as their relationship to morbidity
and death in these critically ill PICU patients.
Identification of the clinical status of a pediatric patient is crucial, since it can lead to
cardiac and neurological issues. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and
calcium have both direct and indirect roles in regulating your immune system. They
protect against infections, modulate the intensity of the immune response, and even
play a role in cancer treatment. The precise measurement of electrolytes is an important
prognostic sign that requires further attention and research. Furthermore, regardless of
the original illness process, the presence of electrolyte imbalance at the time of
admission is a significant prognostic signal in critically unwell children and should be
immediately addressed. The study can help the medical practitioners in maintaining the
fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, which is critical for the organ function and
support. It can also be beneficial to both parties because it allows the physician to
identify a potential component affecting the patient's condition.
Sources:

Halchal, M. (2020, April 7). Biochemical Analysis of Electrolytes and Their Role in

Paediatric Patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit (PICU) :: Erba Mannheim. ::

Erba Mannheim. https://www.erbamannheim.com/article/scientific-updates/213