Abstract

Paul Oserhemhen Adobamen, Sylvester Idogun

Objective: Adenotonsillectomy is commonly performed for children with recurrent adenotonsillitis. Electrolyte derangement could be a source of complication or even mortality if not properly corrected. This study was therefore carried out to assess the plasma electrolytes, urea, and creatinine levels of patients for adenotonsillectomy in our hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study that was carried out at the Ear, Nose, Throat, Head, And Neck Surgery Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, between January 2009 and February 2012, of patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy. Both a thorough history, to ascertain relevant information, and a specific examination were done for the patients. The patients were tested for plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea, and creatinine levels, using established standardized laboratory assay methods with reference intervals interpreted in accordance with established procedures. Results: 49 patients completed the study, made up of 33 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 6.62 years. 25 patients (51.02%) had normonatremia while 24 (48.97%) had hyponatremia. 41 patients (83.67%) had normokalemia, two (4.08%) had hyperkalemia while 6 (12.24%) had hypokalemia. 11 patients (22.45%) had acidosis, 37 (75.51%) had normal bicarbonate levels while only one (2.04%) had alkalosis. 45 patients (91.84%) had normochloremia, while one (2.04%) each had hyponatremia and another one (2.04%) had hyperchloremia. Low urea was seen in nine (18.37%) and normal urea in 40 (81.63%) patients. Normal creatinine levels were seen in 31 (63.27%) and low creatinine in 10 (20.41%) patients. Conclusion: Electrolytes, urea, and creatinine derangement; especially hyponatremia, exists in patients admitted for adenotonsillectomy, mainly due to their inability to feed properly. These electrolytes should be assessed and corrected before surgery, to avoid fatal complications