Sanjay S. Neeralagi1, Chethan T. Lakshminarayana2, Anil Kumar3, Satish4, Geeta Chintamani5
BACKGROUND
Serum electrolyte levels are a very important factor in the management and
prognosis of patients admitted in critical care, as serum electrolytes are involved
in many of normal physiological processes. This study intends to assess the serum
phosphorus levels in critically ill patients and its significance in weaning off patients
from mechanical ventilation.
METHODS
The study was conducted among 110 patients admitted in the medical intensive
care unit (ICU) who required mechanical ventilator support, after applying
inclusion and exclusion criteria. A proper history was taken, and examination was
done. Laboratory values of serum phosphorus were checked during admission and
during initiation of mechanical ventilation and the number of days of requirement
of mechanical ventilation was noted. Patients were divided into two groups, group
A and group B with < / = 6 days of mechanical ventilation and more than 6 days
respectively.
RESULTS
We found that, there was a significant difference between serum pH levels at the
time of admission (group A: 3.40 ± 0.40 mg / dl, group B: 2.14 ± 0.38, P value <
0.001) and at the time of initiation of mechanical ventilation (group A: 3.34 ±
0.34, group B: 2.10 ± 0.35, P value < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
According to the study, hypophosphatemia is associated with prolonged duration
of mechanical ventilation, assessment and monitoring of the same is very
important.
