Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Background: Potassium (K+) is an important electrolyte that has been proven essential for normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, skeletal muscle, internal organs, and nervous system. Both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia can both induce cardiacarrhythmias .An abnormal serum K+ level was associated with significantly higher ICU mortality .Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of critically ill patients with and without a mean serum potassium (K+) level within the recommended range according to age .Patients and methods : This was a prospective observational study based on data collection and Echocardiograsphic examination of 70 critically ill patients admitted in the Intensive care units at Cairo University Pediatric. The study was conducted : from September 2018 to February 2019. Results: In our study 70 patients were included with the Mean of the Age (41.77 ± 46.313) Cases were classified into two groups, the abnormal K+group comprised 22 (31.4 %) patients and The normal K+ group comprised 48 cases (68.6 %). patients. The abnormal K+ group had a significantly higher median value of PRISM III score than those with normal serum potassium (24, 10 respectively, p =0.00) An abnormal serum K+ level was associated with significantly higher incidence of arrhythmia and PICU mortality

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