THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAM TO REFLECT THE POTASSIUM LEVEL IN DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS PATIENTS

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the emergency department of Iraqi hospitals. Electrolyte disturbances are frequently accompanying diabetic ketoacidosis, specifically hyper and hypokalemia. Electrocardiography is an easy and available tool for early identification of these electrolyte disturbances. Aim of the study is to assess the role and importance of ECG monitor, which is a simple, quick, non-invasive and readily available tool in the diagnosis and confirmation of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia in patients with DKA in the Emergency Department. A cross-sectional study conducted in the Baghdad Teaching Hospital- Medical Complex Baghdad city /Emergency Department. The duration of the study was through six months from the 1st of January to the 30th of June 2019 on a sample of 88 DKA patients. Interpretation of the ECG was made by the supervisor, the researcher and the physicians in the emergency department. Results: Prevalence of hypokalemia among DKA patients was 75%. Significant ECG changes associated with hypokalemia among DKA patients were prolonged QT interval, flat T wave, U wave and ST depression. A highly significant association was observed between female gender DKA patients and hypokalemia (p<0.001). Mean random blood sugar of DKA patients with hypokalemia was significantly higher than the RBS mean of DKA patients with average K+ level (p<0.001). Mean blood PH of DKA patients with hypokalemia was significantly lower than blood PH mean of DKA patients with normal K+ level (p