Prevalence and patterns and factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities among patients with heart failure attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital
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Date
2023-12
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Background: Electrolyte abnormalities (EAs) escalate the aggressive clinical course of patients with heart failure (HF), yet there are differing prevalence, patterns, and associated factors among patients with HF in different contextual settings. This study ascertained the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities among patients with HF at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study using quantitative data from 384 heart failure patients attending Hoima Regional Referral Hospital between 21st February 2023 and 15th May 2023. Data on socio-demographic, lifestyle, medical, and clinical characteristics were collected and presented as descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted and variables with p<0.2 or crude OR ≥ 2 or ≤0.5 were entered into a multivariate model. A factor was considered significant at p <0.05. All analyses were done using STATA© 17. Results: Of the 384 patients with HF, the prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities was 89.1% (95%CI: 85.5 – 91.8). Most patients had mixed EAs (53.9%), with the most electrolyte abnormality was hypocalcemia (43.0%). Patients with heart failure with good adherence (AOR = 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1-0.7, p = 0.009) were less likely to have electrolyte abnormalities. The use of diuretics compared to ACEIs/ARBs, and CCBs (AOR = 5.7, 95%CI: 1.3-15.0, p = 0.019) and history of HTN (AOR = 4.0, 95%CI: 1.9 – 8.4, p <0.001) were associated with a higher likelihood of EAs. Conclusions: The prevalence of electrolyte abnormalities in patients with HF at HRRH was high with the majority presenting with mixed pattern of abnormalities. Hypocalcemia was the most common abnormality encountered. Patients with HF with good drug adherence had a relatively lower likelihood of electrolyte abnormalities compared to history of hypertension and receipt of diuretics. Thus, surveillance, as regards good drug adherence, administration of diuretics, and patients with a history of hypertension, are key to minimizing electrolyte abnormalities among patients with heart failure.