Plasma urea and electrolytes profile in different stages of hiv infection in Ekpoma, Nigeria

Aim: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) is one of most dreaded diseases today. This study aims at the determination of electrolyte profile (Na+ , K+ , Cland HCO3 - ), urea levels and CD4 count of patients diagnosed with HIV infection in Ekpoma, Nigeria.

Methods: Sixty patients and 40 apparently healthy individuals as controls were examined from January 2013- September 2014. Electrolytes were assayed using flame photometry and titration method for Na+ , K+ , Cl- and HCO3 - respectively. Urea was determined using Urease-berthlot method and CD4 count by partec cyflow counter.

Results: The mean values of K+ ; 3.59±0.43, Na+ ; 133.48±3.79, HCO3 - ; 23.44±3.78, and CD4 count; 502.77±317.74 were decreased and showed a significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to controls; 3.98±0.28, 137.18±2.44, 27.40±2.40 and 847.98±69.25 respectively. The level of urea; 22.2±8.95 was raised but showed no statistical significance (p>0.05) when compared to the control; 20.87±6.49 while that of Cl; 100.08±1.93 was decreased but showed no statistical significant difference (p>0.05) when compared to the control; 100.55±2.01.

Conclusion: This study has shown that decreased K+ , Na+ , Cl, HCO3 - , CD4 count and raised urea level may be a valuable index in the diagnosis and monitoring of HIV infected patients.