FREQUENCY OF HYPOKALEMIA IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE DIARRHEA PRESENTING TO SAIDU GROUP OF TEACHING HOSPITAL

A JAHANGIR; IU HAQ

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.194

Authors

A JAHANGIR Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, Pakistan
IU HAQ Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.194

Keywords:

Hypokalaemia, Acute Diarrhoea, Paediatrics, Electrolyte Imbalance

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries. Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hypokalemia, are common complications that can exacerbate disease severity and increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypokalemia in children presenting with acute diarrhea at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatrics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 06-02-2025--06-05-2025. Methods: A total of 145 children aged 1–8 years presenting with acute diarrhea were enrolled. Acute diarrhea was defined as more than three watery stools per 24 hours for up to 10 days, accompanied by fever (>37.2°C) and abdominal pain. Serum potassium levels were measured, and hypokalemia was defined as a potassium concentration <3.5 mmol/L. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were assessed using chi-square tests; p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 3.55 ± 2.37 years, with males comprising 58.6% (n = 85). The overall frequency of hypokalemia was 45.5% (n = 66), and the mean serum potassium level was 3.65 ± 1.23 mmol/L. Hypokalemia was significantly associated with younger age (p = 0.02) and a longer duration of diarrhea (>15 days) (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Hypokalemia was observed in nearly half of the children presenting with acute diarrhea, with a higher prevalence in younger patients and those with prolonged illness. Early recognition and prompt correction of hypokalemia are essential to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes.

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