Aim: To determine the frequency of serum electrolytes disturbances in acute diarrhea among children
less than five years of age.
Methods: This Cross-sectional study was carried out at Pediatrics Department of Bolan Medical
Complex Hospital Quetta from 1st February to 31st July. One hundred and seventy four cases of acute
diarrhea among children less than five years of age in both genders.
Results: There were 112 males and 62 females. Majority patients were less than 24 months of age
65.5%. Abnormal laboratory finding were found in 116 patients among total of 174 patients, 43.7% had
only hypokalemia, and 8.6% patients had hyponatremia plus hypokalemia. Hyponatremia had found in
5.7% patients. Normal serum sodium and serum potassium were found in 33.3% while hyponatremia
plus hyperkalemia were found in 1.2% patients. hyperkalemia were found in 4.6% only. Hypernatremia
in 2.9% patients had found. Arterial blood analysis done in all patients for serum bicarbonate.
Metabolic acidosis in 27.6% while metabolic alkalosis in 1.1% patients had found.
Conclusion: The most common abnormality was hypokalemia followed by combined hyponatremia
with hypokalemia <5 years of children