[Blood plasma potassium, sodium and magnesium levels in chronic alcoholism during alcohol withdrawal].

Blood plasma potassium, sodium and magnesium levels were studied in 114 chronic alcoholic patients (pts) during alcohol withdrawal. They were abnormal in 88.6% cases. Hypokalemia was observed in 28.9%, hyperkalemia--in 4.4%, hypomagnesemia in 29.8%, hypermagnesemia in 5.4%, hyponatremia in 72.8%, hypernatremia in 3.5% pts. In 23.7% cases disorders of two electrolytes and in 14% cases disorders of all three electrolytes for the same patient were established. Our data shows, that during alcohol withdrawal hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia are not uncommon.