Hyperkalaemia
Hyperkalaemia is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by high levels of potassium (>4.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality, and more common than hypokalaemia.
Grading of severity
Potassium level | Severity |
---|---|
5.1 - 5.9 | Mild |
6.0 - 6.9 | Moderate |
> 7.0 | Severe |
Etiology
Increased potassium release from cells | Decreased renal potassium excretion |
---|---|
Acidosis | Chronic kidney disease |
Massive cell death (rhabdomyolysis, haemolysis, tumor lysis syndrome, burn injury) | Acute kidney injury |
Potassium-sparing diuretics | |
ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II blocker | |
Addison disease |
The most common cause