Study on Electrolyte Abnormality and Quality Outcomes in the Management of Stroke

Objectives: The objectives of the study is to find out the electrolyte disturbance in first-ever stroke by comparing serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels and the outcomes using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Methods: First ever stroke patients were enrolled and to determine the subtype of stroke, clinical examination followed by CT / MRI scan of brain taken was used. Total serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate levels was determined using serum samples. The patients were followed up for outcome up to 2 weeks during their stay in hospital and before discharge using GOS. Key findings: A total of 105 patients were included in the present study. Normal serum sodium was seen in 32 patients (30.5 %), hyponatremia was present in 72 patients (68.6 %) and hypernatremia in 1 patient (1 %).71 patients (67.6 %) had normal serum potassium, 31 patients (29.5 %) had hypokalaemia and 3 patients (2.9 %) had hyperkalaemia. The outcome of the patient was assessed using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), which revealed that 8 patients (8 %) had a score of 3 which indicates severe disability, 43 patients (41 %) had a score of 4 which indicates moderate disability and 54 patients (51 %) had a score of 5 which indicates good recovery. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that electrolyte disturbances especially hyponatremia and hypokalaemia were highly prevalent in CVA patients. Thus, early assessment of electrolyte disturbance is essential to prevent morbidity and mortality and for better prognosis.