Background: Electrolyte imbalances are common in critically ill patients and are associated with increased morbidity, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and adverse clinical outcomes. Despite their clinical importance, data on the pattern of electrolyte disturbances in ICU patients from North India remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of electrolyte imbalances among patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital in North India and to assess their association with duration of ICU stay. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital in North India from April 2020 to September 2020. A total of 42 adult patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Serum electrolytes including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were measured using standard laboratory methods. Data regarding demographic variables, clinical diagnosis, and ICU stay were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 42 patients, the majority were aged 41–60 years with male predominance. Electrolyte imbalances were observed in a significant proportion of patients, with sodium abnormalities being the most common (52.4%), followed by potassium (42.9%), calcium (38.1%), and magnesium (28.6%) disturbances. Hyponatremia and hypokalemia were the most frequent individual abnormalities. Single electrolyte imbalance was observed in 42.9% of patients, while multiple imbalances were seen in 33.3%. A statistically significant association was found between electrolyte imbalance and prolonged ICU stay (>5 days) (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalances are highly prevalent in ICU patients and are significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay. Routine monitoring and early correction of electrolyte disturbances are essential for improving outcomes in critically ill patients.

Electrolyte imbalance; ICU; hyponatremia; hypokalemia; critical illness; tertiary care hospital