Hypokalaemia: Difference between revisions
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Created page with "'''Hypokalaemia''' is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality. == Grading of severity == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Potassium level !Severity |- |3.5 - 3.0 |Mild |- |2.9 - 2.5 |Moderate |- |< 2.5 |Severe |} == Etiology == Hypokalaemia can occur due to increased potassium loss, redistribution of potassium into cells, or (rarely) insufficient potassium intake. Because the k..." |
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'''Hypokalaemia''' is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality. | |||
== Grading of severity == | == Grading of severity == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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Hypokalaemia can occur due to increased potassium loss, redistribution of potassium into cells, or (rarely) insufficient potassium intake. Because the kidneys can reduce potassium excretion to a minimum, and the daily potassium requirement is really low, insufficient intake of potassium rarely causes hypokalaemia by itself, but it may contribute to hypokalaemia due to other causes | Hypokalaemia can occur due to increased potassium loss, redistribution of potassium into cells, or (rarely) insufficient potassium intake. Because the kidneys can reduce potassium excretion to a minimum, and the daily potassium requirement is really low, insufficient intake of potassium rarely causes hypokalaemia by itself, but it may contribute to hypokalaemia due to other causes | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
!Increased potassium loss | !Increased potassium loss | ||
!Redistribution of potassium into cells | !Redistribution of potassium into cells | ||
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|Excessive insulin (treatment of [[diabetic ketoacidosis]] or [[hyperglycaemic hypoerosmolar syndrom]], [[refeeding syndrome]]) | |Excessive insulin (treatment of [[diabetic ketoacidosis]] or [[hyperglycaemic hypoerosmolar syndrom]], [[refeeding syndrome]]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |Vomiting or other gastrointestinal loss | ||
|Excessive beta-adrenergic activity (severe stress (like [[myocardial infarction]], [[traumatic head injury]], [[alcohol withdrawal]]), administration of [[Beta-adrenergic agonist|beta-adrenergic agonists]]) | |Excessive beta-adrenergic activity (severe stress (like [[myocardial infarction]], [[traumatic head injury]], [[alcohol withdrawal]]), administration of [[Beta-adrenergic agonist|beta-adrenergic agonists]]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Hyperaldosteronism, e.g. due to | |Hyperaldosteronism, e.g. due to | ||
| | |Alkalosis | ||
|} | |} | ||
Upper gastrointestinal fluids don't contain much potassium, so loss of the fluid itself does not cause severe hypokalaemia. However, the resulting hypovolaemia can cause hyperaldosteronism, which can cause hypokalaemia. | Upper gastrointestinal fluids don't contain much potassium, so loss of the fluid itself does not cause severe hypokalaemia. However, the resulting hypovolaemia can cause hyperaldosteronism, which can cause hypokalaemia. | ||
Revision as of 21:45, 28 January 2024
Hypokalaemia is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality.
Grading of severity
Potassium level | Severity |
---|---|
3.5 - 3.0 | Mild |
2.9 - 2.5 | Moderate |
< 2.5 | Severe |
Etiology
Hypokalaemia can occur due to increased potassium loss, redistribution of potassium into cells, or (rarely) insufficient potassium intake. Because the kidneys can reduce potassium excretion to a minimum, and the daily potassium requirement is really low, insufficient intake of potassium rarely causes hypokalaemia by itself, but it may contribute to hypokalaemia due to other causes
Increased potassium loss | Redistribution of potassium into cells |
---|---|
Loop diuretics | Excessive insulin (treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycaemic hypoerosmolar syndrom, refeeding syndrome) |
Vomiting or other gastrointestinal loss | Excessive beta-adrenergic activity (severe stress (like myocardial infarction, traumatic head injury, alcohol withdrawal), administration of beta-adrenergic agonists) |
Hyperaldosteronism, e.g. due to | Alkalosis |
Upper gastrointestinal fluids don't contain much potassium, so loss of the fluid itself does not cause severe hypokalaemia. However, the resulting hypovolaemia can cause hyperaldosteronism, which can cause hypokalaemia.