Metabolic Kinetics: A Predictor for Encephalopathy, Seizure, and Stroke in Patients Hospitalized with SARS-CoV-19?

Author Type(s)

Student

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

4-25-2023

DOI

10.1212/WNL.0000000000203821

Journal Title

Neurology

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the effect of maximum serum electrolyte levels and their rate of change as a predictive factor for encephalopathy, seizure and stroke in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background:

Among patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, serum electrolyte levels and select markers have been shown to predict morbidity and mortality. However, an association between peak electrolyte values and their rate of change with the prevalence of severe neurological complications has not been completely characterized.

Design/Methods:

A retrospective analysis on 907 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 between April 2020 and March 2021 was conducted. Rate of change and peak values were evaluated for sodium, potassium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in each patient. Correlations between electrolyte values and the presence of encephalopathy, seizure, or stroke were then determined and assessed for significance.

Results:

Serum electrolyte values above the normal range were associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of encephalopathy for all electrolytes evaluated (pConclusions: These results suggest that the kinetics of select serum electrolytes correlate with a significant increase in the prevalence of encephalopathy, seizure and stroke in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies that control for confounding variables are needed to validate serum kinetics as a predictive tool for neurological complications in these patients.

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