EFFECTS OF SERUM ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE & ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTER – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Aim & Background: Acute exacerbations are a frequent complication of COPD, which contribute signicantly to morbidity & mortality. Present study is aimed at assessing the effect of electrolyte & ABG derangements on the outcome of AECOPD. Materials & Methods: 70 patients who presented to a tertiary care center with AECOPD fullling inclusion & exclusion criteria were included in the study. Demographic data, basic investigations, serum electrolytes & ABG were obtained & recorded. Results: Out of 70 patients, Hyponatremia was observed in 46(65.71%) patients. Acidosis & hypercapnia was observed in 35(50%) & 62(88.57%) patients respectively. While comparing the correlation between various parameters in patients who survived(n=63) & died(n=7), mean pH & pCO2 values were found to be statistically signicant. Conclusion: Abnormalities in serum sodium levels, pCO2 & pH value are signicantly correlated with mortality & requirement of assisted ventilation in patients with AECOPD.