Research Article

Electrolyte Assessment: A Comparison Across Age Group and Sex In Children (0-6 Years) At Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Electrolyte balance is crucial for maintaining physiological functions such as homeostasis, nerve conduction, muscle function, and acid base balance. Sick children are particularly vulnerable to electrolyte imbalances. This study aims to compare electrolyte levels across different age groups and sexes in children peer at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri. A cross-sectional design was employed assessing 100 pediatric patients who underwent electrolyte testing at Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri. The legal guardian and parents provided written consent for their wards’ participation. The participants were divided by age groups (< 1 year, 1-3 years, 4-6 years) and sex (male and female). Blood samples were collected into heparin bottles for electrolyte assessment. Key electrolytes assessed included Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Chloride (Cl−), Bicarbonate (HCO−3 ), and Calcium (Ca2+). Statistical analyses included T-test for sex-based comparisons and ANOVA for age group comparisons. The results revealed no significant differences (p−value > 0.05) in electrolyte levels across age groups in the pediatrics. Also, there was no significant difference (p−value > 0.05) in electrolyte levels between male and female of the pediatric subjects except in calcium level that had significant increase in calcium level in male. This study has demonstrated that age and sex do not have any impact of electrolyte levels in pediatric at Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri although such was not consistent with calcium where male children were reported to have significantly elevated calcium level.