The new Electrolyte abnormalities CPG adds to the existing electrolyte disturbance topics that have been developed by the CPG Committee. Other new topics are Hypermagnesaemia and Hypomagnesaemia.
The Key points for the CPG are
- Children with any acute illness or condition affecting the input, distribution, or output of electrolytes and/or fluid in the body, are at risk of electrolyte abnormalities
- Critically abnormal test results should be acted on in a timely manner. Errors in sample collection or processing may lead to inaccurate electrolyte values and it is essential to consider the clinical context
- Serum electrolyte reference ranges vary with different laboratories. Use age-appropriate normal ranges from your local pathology service
- Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected by the oral/enteral route when possible