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Hypokalaemia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Hypokalaemia | | name = Hypokalaemia | ||
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| treatment = P.o. or i.v. supplementation | | treatment = P.o. or i.v. supplementation | ||
| complications = Ventricular arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis | | complications = Ventricular arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis | ||
}} | }}'''Hypokalaemia''' is a disorder of potassium homeostasis characterised by low levels of potassium (<3.5 mmol/L). It's a relatively common electrolyte abnormality. It's most frequently caused by loop diuretics, gastrointestinal loss, or hyperaldosteronism. Most common symptoms include muscle weakness and constipation, as well as ECG changes. Management involves treating the underlying cause and p.i. or i.v. supplementation. Hypokalaemia can be lethal due to rhabdomyolysis or ventricular arrhythmia. | ||
== Grading of severity == | == Grading of severity == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||