Remarkable Hypokalemia among Sudanese Patients with Jaundice

Background: Impairment of potassium levels is common in clinical practice, mainly encountered among hospitalized patients with a wide spectrum of sickness. Hypokalemia is a potentially dangerous irregularity that may have pernicious actuates. Objective: This study was directed to measure the potassium levels in Sudanese infected with jaundice. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited in the laboratory center of Port Sudan teaching hospital during the period from the 14th July 2008 to the 5th April 2009. 90 Icteric patients (30 hemolytic Icterus patients, 30 hepatic Icterus patients and 30 obstructive Icterus patients) along with 30 apparently healthy controls were enrolled. Serum potassium and bilirubin levels were evaluated. Results: Hypokalemia noted in 45 (50%) of the Icterus patients. Hypokalemia was significantly associated with hepatic and obstructive jaundice (P < 0.000). Hypokalemia was strongly positively correlated with conjugated bilirubin concentration (P < 0.000/r = -0.736) and negatively correlated with unconjugated bilirubin concentration (P < 0.078/r = -0.187). Conclusion: Hypokalemia is predominant in patients with jaundice and may worsen the morbidity of the illness. Keywords: Serum potassium; Hypokalemia; Jaundice; Sudan