The Prevalence of Electrolyte Imbalances and Their Relationship with Disease Severity in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Since the identification of COVID-19, its various manifestations have been reported in numerous studies. However, few studies have specifically examined the electrolyte imbalances seen in this disease. Patients with a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to our hospital entered this retrospective cross-sectional study. Upon admission of the patients, a blood sample was sent for the analysis of the electrolytes. The relationship between electrolyte imbalances and disease severity, ICU admission, and mortality was also stated. Of 1072 hospitalized patients studied, 657 were men, and 415 were women. The prevalence of hypocalcemia (47.7%), hypophosphatemia (21.1%), hypomagnesemia (15.8%), and hyponatremia (13%) was higher compared to other electrolyte imbalances in these patients. Lower levels of sodium, calcium, and magnesium were seen in severe cases, while higher serum levels of potassium and phosphorus were detected in severe cases and ICU hospitalized patients. Causes such as albumin decrease in inflammation, the role of PTH, and the effect of vitamin D can play a role in hypocalcemia in these patients. In addition, electrolyte loss from the digestive tract can contribute to electrolyte imbalances. Because of the high prevalence of electrolyte imbalance in these patients, electrolyte monitoring is recommended in COVID-19 patients to ensure better care.