Electrolyte disturbance refers to an abnormal change in the levels of electrolytes in the body. This usually constitutes a medical emergency. Severe or prolonged electrolyte disturbance can lead to cardiac problems, neuronal malfunction, organ failure and ultimately death.
The most serious electrolyte disturbances involve abnormalities in the levels of sodium, potassium, and/or calcium. Other electrolyte imbalances are less common, and often occur in conjunction with major electrolyte changes.
Nomenclature
There is a standard nomenclature for electrolyte disorders:
The name starts with a prefix denoting whether the electrolyte is abnormally elevated ("hyper") or depleted ("hypo").
The word stem then gives the name of the electrolyte in Latin. If no Latin equivalent exists, then the corresponding term in English is used.
The name ends with the suffix "emia," meaning "in the blood." (Note, this doesn't mean that the disturbance is only in the blood; usually, electrolyte disturbance is systemic. However, since the disturbance is usually detected from blood testing, the convention has developed.)
For instance, elevated potassium in the blood is called "hyperkalemia" from the Latin term for potassium, "kalium".
Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body's cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma.
Electrolyte tests are performed on whole blood, plasma, or serum, usually collected from a vein or capillary.
Electrolyte concentrations are similar whether measured in serum or plasma.
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