Electrolyte State in Patients With COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 invades human cells through binding angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the cell membrane. ACE2 is widely distributed in many types of human tissues, especially in the vital organs, such as heart, liver, kidney, and lungs. ACE2 is viewed as the principal counter-regulatory mechanism for the main axis of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that is an essential player in the control of blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The final effect is to increase reabsorption of sodium and water, and thereafter increase blood pressure and excretion of potassium (K+). Besides, patients with COVID-19 often had gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting

Early studies proved that high percentage of COVID-19 patient were presented with electrolyte disorders, including sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium abnormalities. Such electrolyte disturbances have important implications not only for patient management but also for identifying potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying COVID-19 that could drive novel therapeutic opportunities

Inclusion criteria

• Patients ≥ 18 years old who were confirmed by the real-time PCR on the respiratory tract samples as positive of SARS-CoV-2.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who had other causes of electrolyte disturbances (9):
• Chronic organ dysfunction (e.g., hepatic or renal dysfunction),
• Terminal cancer, immunodeficiency, and
• Patients with a history of long-term use of hormones & Diuretics were excluded.