Serum Electrolyte Abnormalities in Patients with Severe Malaria Admitted at Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, South South Nigeria

Severe malaria is associated with a range of metabolic derangements, including electrolyte imbalances, that contribute to adverse outcomes if not promptly detected and corrected. This study assessed serum electrolyte abnormalities in patients with severe malaria admitted to Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 patients with WHO-defined severe malaria confirmed by thick blood film and rapid diagnostic test. Venous blood samples were collected on admission for determination of serum sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate by ion-selective electrode and colorimetric methods. Malaria parasite density and clinical severity scores were also documented. Electrolyte disturbances were present in 78.3% of patients. Hyponatraemia was the most common abnormality at 52.5%, followed by hypocalcaemia at 41.7% and hypokalaemia at 33.3%. Hyperphosphataemia was detected in 18.3% of cases. Hyponatraemia was significantly associated with cerebral malaria and poorer clinical outcomes. Electrolyte disturbances were more severe in patients with higher parasite densities. Children under five years and elderly patients above 60 years showed the most pronounced imbalances. The findings underscore the necessity of routine electrolyte monitoring in all severe malaria admissions and the incorporation of electrolyte correction into resuscitation protocols at malaria management centres in South South Nigeria. Keywords: serum electrolytes, severe malaria, hyponatraemia, electrolyte imbalance, Bayelsa State