Serological evaluation of staff potassium contents of Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Potassium inadequate and heart status with other diseases may present clinical indications from asymptomatic electrolyte disorder to heart-abnormal beating and heart attack. Blood K+ concentrations are within the limits of 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/L, but plasma concentrations are within 3.2-5.1 mmol/L. Clinical manifestations of mild to moderate hyperkalemia are usually non-specific and may include generalized weakness, paralysis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most studies solely examine a critically ill patient population, but it is of concern to know if such outcomes are present in the general population. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the staff potassium contents of Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, Nigeria. Results: Blood samples were collected from one hundred (100) staff into disposable sample bottles and then analyzed for potassium level. The study identify that the population has serum potassium concentration<3.5mmol/l. And, 66.7(66.7%) have serum potassium concentration between 3.5-5.5mmol/l with mean potassium values 4.825±3.69, however, 33.3(33.3%) of the study population have serum potassium concentration > 5.5mmol/l with mean value 6.256±1.48. The mean differences obtained were statistically significant (p<0.05).