Synonyms and keywords: abnormal electrolytes, abnormal lytes, lytes
Overview
Electrolytes are electrically charged solutes necessary to maintain body homeostasis. The main electrolytes include Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), and Magnesium (Mg). These electrolytes are involved in multiple physiologic and neurohormonal reactions necessary to maintain neuromuscular, neuronal, myocardial, and acid-base balance. Their balance are mainly regulated by renal and endocrine systems, any changes in their balance may be life threatening. Electrolytes are in balance to achieve neutral electrical charges. Electrolytes could be classified based on their electrical charge to anions and cations. Anions include bicarbonate, chloride, and phosphorus. Cations are calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Sodium and chloride are the major extracellular ions that has the greatest impact on serum osmolality (solute concentration in 1 liter of water). Calcium and bicarbonate are the other major extracellular electrolytes. Main intracellular electrolytes are potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Causes
The following table summarize the common causes for electrolytes imbalance.
Diagnosis of electrolyte disturbances is suspected by clinical presentation and will be confirmed by laboratory values. Clinical manifestations depends on the severity of disturbances and their chronicity however, the presentation may vary according to underlying condition. The following table summarize common symptoms and signs of electrolytes disturbances and important ECG findings.
ECG changes (in order of severity): Tall peaked T, shortened QT interval, prolongation of PR interval and QRS duration, P wave disappearance, QRS widening, sine wave
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