A study on dyselectrolytemia in patients with first episode of seizures

Abstract

Background: Seizure etiology is a wide range, depending on the age, of which electrolyte abnormalities play an important role in causation. Aim: To estimate the electrolyte imbalances in patients aged more than 18 years presenting with first episode of seizures. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study was conducted between October 2020 - October 2021 at Alluri SitaramaRaju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, after getting approved by the institutional ethical committee. Inclusion criteria: All the patients with first episode of focal or generalised seizures, with age of onset of seizures >18 years, admitted in department of General Medicine and Neurology, ASRAM medical college and hospital, Eluru from October 2020 - October 2021. An individual informed consent was taken from all the patients selected for the study. Exclusion criteria: Patients with past history of seizures. Discussion: Total number of cases studied=45. Metabolic abnormalities were most common cause of seizures in this study, seen in 21 patients (46.67%) out of which hyperglycaemia was the most common cause seen in 9 patients, followed by uremia in 5 patients, electrolyte abnormalities as in 5 patients and hypoglycaemia in 2. Out of 45 patients, 13(28.89%) had electrolyte disturbances, of which the most common abnormality observed was hyponatremia, seen in 10 patients (76.99%). Others were hypercalcemia in 1patient (7.67%), hypomagnesemia in 1patient (7.67%),hypokalemia in 1 patient. Conclusion: Among various causes of seizures, electrolyte abnormalities were most commonly seen in patients with metabolic causes.