Frequency and significance of potassium disturbances in sick children
Singhi, S.; Gulati, S.; Prasad, S.V.
Indian Pediatrics 31(4): 460-463
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 7875872 Document Number: 289810
Many nutritional elements are known to have a key function in the normal growth and development of children. One such element, potassium, is necessary for normal bone, heart, and smooth muscle development and function. It is also known that too little or too much potassium can increase mortality and morbidity risk levels. Many studies have been performed on potassium in adults. This study's objective was to examine sick children and determine what role, if any, potassium may have played in their disease. 727 Indian children (531 boys and 197 girls) under the age of 13 years were studied. Venous blood samples were taken at the initial visit and analyzed. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia were defined as 6.0 mEq/l or more and 3.5 mEq/l or less, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or unpaired t-test. 101 children (13.9%) were hypokalemic and 39 (5.4%) were hyperkalemic. The remaining 587 children were determined to be normal. Low serum sodium levels (hyponatremia) were found in 52 of the 101 hypokalemic children. These children demonstrated a higher mortality than normokalemic-hpyonatremic children. Serum potassium levels appear to be associated with severity of sickness in Indian children. Risk of mortality increases when serum potassium levels fall below or rise above the normal range.