Study of creatinine and electrolyte variations amid individuals with chronic liver disease: A retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic liver disease is a progressive deterioration of liver functions for duration of more than six months, associated with features of inflammation, destruction and regeneration of the liver parenchyma, resulting in fibrosis or cirrhosis. Liver enzyme elevations are the mainstay for diagnoses. However, variations in sodium, potassium and chloride profiles are often seen in patients presenting with chronic liver disease and its associated complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and advanced cirrhosis. In our study, we hope to better understand the importance of dyselectrolytemia in liver dysfunction and the necessity of routine electrolyte tests performed in the clinical setting. Materials and methods: We analyzed sodium, potassium, chloride and creatinine levels with respect to three time points in hospitalization, that is ‘at the time of admission’, ‘during hospitalization’ and ‘at the time of discharge’ and the amount of variability of each electrolyte parameter with respect to these time points. Results: During the course of hospitalization, sodium and chloride showed no deviation from normalcy. Creatinine showed a decreasing trend towards normalcy and Potassium showed a mild variation in the initial stages of hospitalization but remained within normal limits. Conclusion: The routine testing of sodium and chloride in those with chronic liver disease may be rendered unnecessary in future and that the analysis of potassium and creatinine trends may help prognosticate the status of liver disease through the status of renal function. Nevertheless, further research is essential to better understand the association of these electrolyte parameters with chronic liver disease.

Keywords

• creatinine
• electrolyte variations
• chronic liver disease