Serum Electrolytes in Acute Exacerbation of COPD Patients in Delhi – A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health problem, with acute exacerbations (AECOPD) contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Electrolyte disturbances are common in AECOPD and may worsen clinical outcomes, yet limited data exist from highburden regions such as Delhi. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and pattern of serum electrolyte abnormalities in AECOPD patients and their association with disease severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months in the Department of General Medicine, Swami Dayanand Hospital, Delhi. Ninety-five patients with confirmed COPD presenting with acute exacerbation were enrolled based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical history, examination, and relevant investigations, including serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride levels, were recorded at presentation. Electrolyte abnormalities were categorized as hypo-, normal-, or hyper-levels. Disease severity was graded, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 59.22 ± 10.88 years, with males comprising 54.74% of the cohort. Smoking history was present in 58.95%, and hypertension was the most common comorbidity (32.63%). Hyponatremia was present in 51.58%, hypochloremia in 57.9%, hypokalemia in 41.05%, and hypocalcemia in 28.42% of patients. Hyponatremia (p = 0.02) and hypokalemia (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with moderate to severe exacerbations. Conclusion: Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyponatremia and hypochloremia, are highly prevalent in AECOPD and correlate with disease severity. Routine electrolyte monitoring should be an integral part of AECOPD management to improve outcomes.