Biochemical Profiles and Clinical Correlates of Hyperkalemia and Metabolic Acidosis in Acute Kidney Injury Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Electrolytic Imbalance in Acute Kidney Injury Patients

Muhammad Ali Talat; Adan Malik; Faisal Iqbal; Huda Asif; Anwar Khan; Muhammad Asif

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2688

Authors

Muhammad Ali Talat Department of Biochemistry, Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
Adan Malik Department of Biochemistry, Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
Faisal Iqbal Department of Medicine, Islam Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
Huda Asif Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
Anwar Khan Department of Forensic Medicine, Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan
Muhammad Asif Department of Forensic Medicine, Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2688

Keywords:

Acute Kidney Injury, Hyperkalemia, Metabolic Acidosis, Biochemical Imbalances

Abstract

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is often complicated by biochemical disturbances, including hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Objective: To examine the biochemical profiles and clinical consequences of hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis in patients with AKI, with the goal of identifying correlations and prognostic markers to improve management strategies. Methods: The study analyzed 130 geriatric AKI patients with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis, assessing clinical outcomes through multivariable regression. Results: In 130 AKI patients with hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis (mean age: 68.5 ± 10.2 years, 60% males), hypertension (45%) was the most common comorbidity. ICU admission was required in 25%, with an average hospital stay of 8.4 ± 4.5 days. Biochemical markers showed elevated serum potassium (6.2 ± 0.8 mEq/L), creatinine (3.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL), and reduced bicarbonate (18.5 ± 3.5 mEq/L). Serum creatinine (r = 0.80) and potassium (r = 0.67) correlated strongly with dialysis need, while lower blood pH (r = -0.50) was linked to ICU admission. Multivariable analysis identified serum creatinine (OR = 3.00, p < 0.001) as the strongest predictor of severe hyperkalemia and acidosis, with hypertension (OR = 2.15, p = 0.015) and advancing age (OR = 1.05, p = 0.003) also increasing risk. Conclusions: Hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and elevated serum creatinine in acute kidney injury patients are strongly linked to worse outcomes, highlighting the need for early intervention.

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