Water-electrolyte imbalance
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221636574
2008-06-25T11:51:52Z
Gail
7214503
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/59.92.126.218|59.92.126.218]] to last version by Wouterstomp (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
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ICD9 = {{ICD9|276}} |
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[[Electrolyte]]s play a vital role in maintaining [[homeostasis]] within the body. They help to regulate myocardial and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance and much more. Electrolyte imbalances can develop by the following mechanisms: excessive ingestion; diminished elimination of an electrolyte; diminished ingestion or excessive elimination of an electrolyte. The most common cause of electrolyte disturbances is [[renal failure]].
The most serious electrolyte disturbances involve abnormalities in the levels of [[sodium]], [[potassium]], and/or [[calcium]]. Other electrolyte imbalances are less common, and often occur in conjunction with major electrolyte changes. Chronic [[laxative]] abuse or severe [[diarrhea]] or [[vomiting]] can lead to electrolyte disturbances along with [[dehydration]]. People suffering from bulimia or anorexia are at especially high risk for an electrolyte imbalance.
==Nomenclature==
There is a standard [[Scientific classification|nomenclature]] for electrolyte disorders:
# The name starts with a [[Prefix (linguistics)|prefix]] denoting whether the electrolyte is abnormally elevated ("hyper-") or depleted ("hypo-").
# The word stem then gives the name of the electrolyte in [[Latin]]. If no Latin equivalent exists, then the corresponding term in [[English language|English]] is used.
# The name ends with the [[Affix|suffix]] "-emia," meaning "in the [[blood]]." (Note, this doesn't mean that the disturbance is ''only'' in the blood; usually, electrolyte disturbance is systemic. However, since the disturbance is usually detected from [[blood test]]ing, the convention has developed.)
For instance, elevated potassium in the blood is called "hyperkalemia" from the Latin term for potassium, "kalium".
==Table of common electrolyte disturbances==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Electrolyte !! Ionic formula !! Elevation disorder !! Depletion disorder
|-
| [[Sodium]]
| align="center" | Na<sup>+</sup>
| [[hypernatremia]]
| [[hyponatremia]]
|-
| [[Potassium]]
| align="center" | K<sup>+</sup>
| [[hyperkalemia]]
| [[hypokalemia]]
|-
| [[Calcium]]
| align="center" | Ca<sup>2+</sup>
| [[hypercalcemia]]
| [[hypocalcemia]]
|-
| [[Magnesium]]
| align="center" | Mg<sup>2+</sup>
| [[hypermagnesemia]]
| [[hypomagnesemia]]
|-
| [[Chloride]]
| align="center" | Cl<sup>-</sup>
| [[hyperchloremia]]
| [[hypochloremia]]
|-
| [[Phosphate]]
| align="center" | PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>
| [[hyperphosphatemia]]
| [[hypophosphatemia]]
|-
| [[Bicarbonate]]
| align="center" | HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>
| [[hyperbicarbonatemia]]
| [[hypobicarbonatemia]]
|-
|}
==General Function==
Electrolytes are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells. Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body. For example, when you exercise heavily, you lose electrolytes in your sweat, particularly sodium and potassium. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant.
==Electrolyte Abnormalities and ECG Changes==
The most notable feature of hyperkalemia is the "tent shaped" or "peaked" T wave. Delayed ventricular depolarization leads to a widened QRS complex and the P wave becomes wider and flatter. When hyperkalemia becomes severe, the ECG resembles a sine wave as the P wave disappears from view. In contrast, hypokalemia is associated with flattening of the T wave and the appearance of a U wave. When untreated, hypokalemia may lead to severe arrhythmias.
The fast ventricular depolarization and repolarization associated with hypercalcemia lead to a characteristic shortening of the QT interval. Hypocalcemia has the opposite effect, lengthening the QT interval.
==See also==
* [[Acidosis]]
* [[Alkalosis]]
* [[Dehydration]]
* [[Malnutrition]]
* [[Starvation]]
{{Fluid, electrolyte, acid base metabolic pathology}}
[[Category:Electrolyte disturbances|*]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Causes of death]]
[[de:Elektrolytstörung]]
[[es:Desequilibrio electrolítico]]
[[pt:Distúrbio eletrolítico]]