TO ESTIMATE PREVALENCE AND TYPE OF ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH NEW ONSET SEIZURES IN A TERTIARY CARE.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute and/or severe electrolyte imbalances can manifest with rapidly progressive neurologic symptoms or seizures, which may be the sole presenting symptom. Rapid identification and correction of the underlying electrolyte disturbance are of crucial importance in the control of seizures and prevention of permanent brain damage. Hence this study was done to identify the electrolyte dysfunction associated with first episode of seizure and the determinants of these imbalances.

Objectives: 1.To estimate prevalence of electrolyte imbalances in patients presenting with first episode of seizures. 2. To identify determinants associated with electrolyte imbalances.

Materials and methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023 in 100 adult patients with first episode of seizure after obtaining ethical committee clearance and written informed consent. Details on socio - demographic data, presenting history of seizure, associated symptoms, past history on medical illness and trauma or alcohol intoxication was recorded in a pretested semi structured questionnaire from patients and attenders. Biochemical investigations like Complete Blood Picture (CBP), RBS, RFT, LFT, Serum electrolytes, Thyroid profile) and radioimaging (CT, MRI, EEG) were done. Statistical analysis was done by chi square test, t test and mann whitney u test with P <0.05 considered as statistically significant.

Results: The most common type of seizure were generalized tonic clonic seizures (72%), followed by focal seizures (22%) and 6 % patients presented with status epilepticus. Electrolyte abnormality was seen in 28 (28%) patients. Most common electrolyte abnormality was hyponatremia seen in 75%, followed by hypocalcemia in 10.70%, hypomagnesemia in 10.70% and hypokalemia in 3.50% patients.

Conclusions: Effective management of seizures requires identification and treatment of the underlying primary disorder. Since neurological symptoms of electrolyte disorders are generally functional rather than structural, the neurologic manifestations of electrolyte disturbances are typically reversible.