Alterations in Serum Electrolytes among Adults with Enteric Fever: A Retrospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Center in New Delhi.

BACKGROUND

Electrolyte abnormalities are frequent in systemic infections such as enteric fever but remain under-recognized in clinical practice. These disturbances may worsen morbidity if not identified and corrected early.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and pattern of serum electrolyte alterations in adult patients hospitalized with enteric fever at a tertiary care center in New Delhi.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective observational study analyzed records of 128 adult patients (59 males, 69 females) with laboratory-confirmed enteric fever between January 2023 and March 2024. The first admission values for sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate were extracted from the hospital laboratory system. Results were categorized as low, normal, or high using standard clinical reference ranges. Descriptive statistics were applied, and gender-based comparisons were performed using Chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous measures.

RESULTS

Hyponatremia was present in 58.6% (75/128) of patients, while 57.8% (74/128) had low bicarbonate levels consistent with a trend toward metabolic acidosis. In contrast, potassium and chloride values were predominantly normal, with abnormalities occurring in <10% of patients. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) values (mmol/L) were: sodium 132.7 ± 6.2, potassium 4.3 ± 0.6, chloride 101.1 ± 3.7, and bicarbonate 20.3 ± 4.7. No significant gender differences were detected for mean values or abnormality prevalence (all p > 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Hyponatremia and reduced bicarbonate were the most common electrolyte abnormalities in enteric fever, whereas potassium and chloride disturbances were uncommon. Routine electrolyte monitoring should be incorporated into the management of hospitalized enteric fever patients to enable early correction and improved clinical outcomes.