Electrolytes derangement in portal systemic encephalopathy (a preliminary study).

Serum and urinary electrolytes were determined in 34 patients with portal systemic encephalopathy. In coma due to hepatitis, 73% had hyponatraemia, 64% hypokalaemia and 75% low urinary sodium and potassium. In coma due to cirrhosis, 78% had hyponatraemia, 69.5% hypokalaemia, 79% low urinary sodium and potassium levels in serum and urine appear sodium and 53% reduced urinary potassium. Low to bad prognostic findings. (JPMA 35 211, 1985).