ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM

Authors

  • Dr Nimisha P
  • Dr Ajitha K
  • Dr Anjali Sivaram
  • Dr Hakkeem Panthappulan

Abstract

Electrolytes are the compounds which readily dissociate in solution and exist as ions. That is positively and negatively charged particles. The concentration of electrolytes is expressed as milli-equivalents (mEq/l) rather than milligrams. A gram equivalent weight of a compound is defined as its weight in grams that can combine or displace one gram of hydrogen. One-gram equivalent weight is equivalent to 1000 milli-equivalents. Electrolytes are well distributed in the body fluids in order to maintain the osmotic equilibrium and water balance. The total concentration of cations and anions in each body compartment (ECF or ICF) is equal to maintain electrical neutrality. There is a marked difference in the concentration of electrolytes (cations and anions) between the extracellular and intracellular fluids. Na+ is the principal extracellular cation while K+ is the intracellular cation. This difference in the concentration is essential for the cell survival which is maintained by Na+-K+ pump. As regards anions, Cl- and HCO3- predominantly occur in extracellular fluids, while HPO4-, proteins and organic acids are found in the intracellular fluids [1]. Due to electrolyte imbalance of major cations like sodium and potassium it may result in severe ECG changes and common symptoms like tiredness, irritability, mental confusion, convulsions and coma. So before concluding any diagnosis by observing these symptoms must consider there is a chance of occurrence of electrolyte imbalance of cations.

 

KEYWORDS: Electrolyte, Ion, Body fluid, Cation, Anion, Extracellular fluid, Intracellular fluid

References

U. Satyanarayana, U. Chakrapani. Biochemistry, 3rd ed.2006

K. George Mathew, Praveen Aggarwal. Medicine, 2nd ed. 2004, P.743

A.S.M.T Hossain & L.C Gupta. Textbook of medicine, Jn.2002. P.555

R S Vasan, Sudha Seshadri. Textbook of Medicine, 1998 P.658

Dr Kishor Patwardhan. Human Physiology in Ayurveda; Varanasi: chaukhamba Orientalia; 2008.

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Published

2022-02-22