Multiple Causes of Hyponatremia: A Case Report

The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes has risen significantly, but concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. These concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction. This review aims to examine the reported effects of acute or chronic abuse of energy drinks on human health. The analysis shows a significant prevalence of adverse effects, particularly on the cardiovascular and neurovegetative systems. In particular, the analysis identified nine cases of cardiac arrest, three of which were fatal. The aetiology of these adverse effects is attributed to the inherent neurostimulant properties of these beverages, of which caffeine is the predominant component. A comparison of documented effects in humans with experimental studies in animal models showed an overlap in results. This review highlights the need for greater rigour in the assessment of sudden cardiac death, particularly in young people, as legal substances such as energy drinks may be involved. We propose stricter limits on the consumption of these beverages than for caffeine, based on the evidence found and the data in the literature. This review also calls for the establishment of regulations governing the consumption of these products in view of their potential impact on human health.

Assessment of Selected Serum Electrolyte and Associated Risk Factors in Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to assess selected serum electrolytes imbalance and associated factors in diabetic patients attending their follow up appointments in Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) from February 1 to April 1, 2019.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross sectional study design was used to assess the selected serum electrolytes in diabetic patients attending their follow up appointments at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) chronic illness clinic. A convenience sampling technique was used to include 279 diabetic patients in the study and an interviewer based questionnaire was used to include all necessary data from each diabetic patient. Five milliliters of blood were collected from each subject and processed and analyzed for blood glucose and serum electrolyte determination by ABX Pentra400 and Humalyte plus5 ion-selective electrode (ISE) system  clinical chemistry analyzers. Pearson's correlation coefficient model and multivariate logistic regression were used respectively to assess the correlation and significant association between abnormal serum electrolytes and independent variables.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of one or more serum electrolyte abnormalities was determined in diabetic patients. The overall prevalence was 42.0% (n=116/276) in which hyponatremia was the highest followed by hypochloremia and hypercalcemia, 40.6%, 14.9% and 10.9% respectively. Age, type of medication, and high body mass index (BMI) had strong positive correlations with abnormal serum concentration levels of sodium (r=0.611, P=0.731), potassium (r=0.752, P=0.812) and chloride (r=0.645, P=0.459). Being employed (AOR: 3.933, 95% C.I: 1.057-14.637, P value: 0.041), treated with mixed medications (AOR: 2.9, 95% C.I: 1.292-6.441, P value: 0.010) and being unable to control blood glucose level or being hyperglycemic (AOR: 3.2, 95% C.I: 2.179-5.721, P value: 0.000) were statistically identified as risk factors for serum electrolyte abnormalities in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

The serum electrolyte concentration level was highly abnormal in diabetic patients. The prevalence of abnormal concentration was more common in diabetic patients with advanced age, and some variables had strong positive correlation with abnormal serum electrolyte level in diabetic patients.