Examination of Electrolyte Replacements in the ICU Utilizing MIMIC-III Dataset Demonstrates Redundant Replacement Patterns

Abstract

Electrolyte repletion in the ICU is one of the most ubiquitous tasks in critical care, involving significant resources while having an unclear risk/benefit ratio. Prior data indicate most replacements are administered while electrolytes are within or above reference ranges with little effect on serum post-replacement levels and potential harm. ICU electrolyte replacement patterns were analyzed using the MIMIC-III database to determine the threshold governing replacement decisions and their efficiency. The data of serum values for potassium, magnesium, and phosphate before and after repletion events were evaluated. Thresholds for when repletion was administered and temporal patterns in the repletion behaviors of ICU healthcare providers were identified. Most electrolyte replacements happened when levels were below or within reference ranges. Of the lab orders placed, a minuscule number of them were followed by repletion. Electrolyte repletion resulted in negligible (phosphate), small (potassium), and modest (magnesium) post-replacement changes in electrolyte serum levels. The repletion pattern followed hospital routine work and was anchored around shift changes. A subset of providers conducting over-repletion in the absence of clinical indication was also identified. This pattern of behavior found in this study supports previous studies and may allude to a universal pattern of over-repletion in the ICU setting.