Incidence of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients with hypokalemia

Abstract

Background
Following trauma, hypokalemia was frequently observed, and it was assumed that those who were more seriously injured experienced hypokalemia more frequently. Improved monitoring and treatment could lower the likelihood of adverse events if the plasma potassium level in trauma patients and its impact on in-hospital outcomes are better understood.


Objective
Finding the incidence of hypokalemia in trauma patients, assessing the predictors of hypokalemia related to trauma and comorbidities, and demonstrating the impact of hypokalemia on in-hospital outcomes (mortality, adverse events, and length of stay) in trauma patients were the objectives of this study.


Methods
A prospective cohort study with analytical component was done. Sixty Egyptian Trauma patients were included in this study. They were selected from Emergency department et al. Zahraa University hospital to assess predictors for hypokalemia, mortality, adverse events, and length of stay.


Results

Hypokalemia was found in 53% (
n
 = 32) of all adult trauma patients. History of Comorbidity in patients was associated with increased risk of mortality (
p
 = 0.008). Head injury and subdural hemorrhage followed by orthopedic fractures (
p
 = 0.008) were the most common Trauma findings among studied patients.Hypokalemia has no significant predictor value for mortality while Hypokalemia has significant predictor value for adverse events (
p
 = 0.005).Finally, patients with hypokalemia had significantly longer hospital stay (10 days ranging from 4 to 60 days)versus 5 days ranging from 3 to 21 days with, (
p
 < 0.001).



Conclusion
Hypokalemia in trauma patient during hospitalization had an increased risk of hospital stay and suffering adverse events and need special medical care. History of comorbidities had an increased risk of mortality in hypokalemic trauma patients.