Alterations in Renal Function Markers and Electrolyte Balance in Hypertensive Naval Personnel Attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria
Njoku Ikechukwu Godwin
Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria and Medical Laboratory Services Unit, Naval Medical Center Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.
Ikaraoha Chidiebere Ikechukwu *
Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Edward Ukamaka
Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ekenyem Kierian
Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
Chukwu Obasi Charles
Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria and Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, Nigeria.
Innocent Okafor Eze
Medical Laboratory Services Unit, Naval Medical Center Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Hypertension can influence renal filtration and electrolyte homeostasis, making assessment of renal function clinically relevant in occupational groups with cardiovascular risk.
Objective: To evaluate renal function markers and electrolyte balance in hypertensive male naval personnel attending Naval Medical Center Sapele, Nigeria.
Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 60 hypertensive and 60 age-matched normotensive male naval personnel. Serum creatinine and urea were assessed as renal function markers, while sodium, potassium, and chloride were evaluated as electrolytes. Group differences were examined using independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to assess relationships between renal function markers and electrolytes, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Hypertensive personnel had higher serum creatinine concentrations than normotensive controls (102.25 ± 5.57 vs. 93.06 ± 12.30 µmol/L; p = 0.001) and higher urea concentrations (5.03 ± 1.09 vs. 4.26 ± 1.15 mmol/L; p = 0.001). Serum sodium was also modestly higher in the hypertensive group (139.8 ± 3.2 vs. 138.5 ± 2.9 mmol/L; p = 0.023). Potassium and chloride did not differ significantly between groups. Within the hypertensive group, renal function markers were not significantly correlated with sodium, potassium, or chloride.
Conclusion: Hypertensive naval personnel showed higher creatinine, urea, and sodium values than normotensive personnel. These findings support routine monitoring of renal function and electrolyte status in this population.
Keywords: Hypertension, renal function, electrolyte balance, naval personnel, Nigeria