Electrolyte Disorders

Electrolytes are involved in numerous intracellular and extracellular biological and physiological functions, including maintenance of cell volume, cellular ionic strength, and enzymatic activities, critical for sustaining life. Hyponatremia is by far the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in practice. This chapter explores the existing and new advances in electrolyte alterations. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in both the community-dwelling population and in hospitalized patients. Hypernatremia is less common than hyponatremia, with a reported incidence of 1–3% in hospitalized patients. The chapter outlines the management of potassium disorders. Hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypokalemia is also associated with an increased risk of developing CKD and CKD progression. Management of acute and symptomatic hyperkalemia requires cardiovascular monitoring. The chapter provides the major causes of hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia. Both hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia adversely impact patient outcomes, including increased mortality and duration of hospital stay.