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Hypokalaemia: Difference between revisions
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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. | '''Hypokalaemia''' is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality. | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hypokalaemia | |||
| definition = Serum potassium level < 3.5 | |||
| frequency = Relatively common | |||
| cause = Loop diuretics, gastrointestinal loss, hyperaldosteronism | |||
| symptoms = Muscle weakness, constipation/ileus | |||
| treatment = P.o. or i.v. supplementation | |||
| complications = Ventricular arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis | |||
}} | |||
== Grading of severity == | == Grading of severity == | ||
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== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
=== Arrhythmia === | |||
Arrhythmia in case of hypokalaemia can be fatal and is the most dangerous complication. Hypokalaemia can cause a variety of arrhythmias, from relatively benign ones like [[Premature atrial beat|premature atrial beats]], [[sinus bradycardia]], [[atrial tachycardia]], to rapidly life-threatening ones like [[ventricular tachycardia]] or [[Ventricular fibrillation|fibrillation]]. Elderly, as well as people with heart disease, previous ventricular arrhythmia, or [[digitalis]] treatment are at extra high risk for arrhythmia. | Arrhythmia in case of hypokalaemia can be fatal and is the most dangerous complication. Hypokalaemia can cause a variety of arrhythmias, from relatively benign ones like [[Premature atrial beat|premature atrial beats]], [[sinus bradycardia]], [[atrial tachycardia]], to rapidly life-threatening ones like [[ventricular tachycardia]] or [[Ventricular fibrillation|fibrillation]]. Elderly, as well as people with heart disease, previous ventricular arrhythmia, or [[digitalis]] treatment are at extra high risk for arrhythmia. | ||
=== Rhabdomyolysis === | |||
''Main article: [[Rhabdomyolysis]]'' | |||
Rhabdomyolysis occurs due to the skeletal muscle membrane becoming unexcitable, which causes necrosis. Hypokalaemia also reduces muscle blood flow (as potassium is usually a vasodilator in skeletal muscle), which causes [[ischaemic necrosis]]. | |||
[[Category:Pathophysiology]] | [[Category:Pathophysiology]] | ||