16. Type of Hypokalaemia Serum level of K+
Correction of K+
Mild Hypokalaemia 3-3.5 mmol/L Oral Correction by-
• Green coconut water
• Fruit and fruit juice
• Banana
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Potato
• Bean etc.
Moderate Hypokalaemia 2.5- 3.0 mmol/L Oral K+
Supplementation by potassium tablet (must be with half
glass of water and in full stomach) and syrup (in full stomach)
Severe Hypokalaemia 2.5 mmol/L
˂ I/V correction
• Intravenous potassium diluted in normal saline
• Not more than 10 mmol/hour
• 1 ampoule contains 20 mmol of potassium
• 1 litre of normal saline should not be mixed with more than 40
mmol (i.e. 2 ampoules)
Treatment
Note: Never Administer Potassium Directly via IV Route
Direct IV push can cause severe cardiac complications
18. Causes of HYPERKALAEMIA
1. Pseudohyperkalemia
A. Cellular efflux, thrombocytosis, erythrocytosis, leukocytosis, in vitrohemolysis
B. Hereditary defects in red cell membrane transport
2. Intra- to extracellular shift
A. Acidosis
B. Hyperosmolality; radiocontrast, hypertonic dextrose, mannitol
C. B2,- Adrenergic antagonists (noncardioselective agents)
D. Digoxin and related glycosides (yellow oleander, foxglove, bufadienolide)
E. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
F. Lvsine, arginine, and e-aminocaproic acid (structurally similar, positivelycharged)
G. Succinylcholine; thermal trauma, neuromuscular injury, disuse atrophy. mucositis, or
prolonged immobilization si
H. Rapid tumor lysisII.
19. 3. Inadequate excretion
A. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis; I risk of hyperkalemia
when used in combination
1. Angiotensin- converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
2. Renin inhibitors, aliskiren (in combination with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin
receptor blockers ARBs])
3. ARBs
4. Blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor: spironolactone, eplerenone,
drospirenone
5. Blockade of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC): amiloride, triamterene,
trimethoprim, pentamidine, nafamostat
B. Decreased distal delivery
1. Congestive heart failureINSPIOBO
2. Volume depletion
22. Clinical Features
Mainly cardiac and central nervous system depression, such as –
Progressive muscular weakness
Mental confusion
Bradycardia
Cardiac arrhythmia
Cardiac arrest
24. Investigations:
Plasma electrolytes
Plasma creatinine
Plasma bicarbonate
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis
ECG findings: Tall T wave in ECG with
widening of QRS complex.
27. Management Approach
History:
History of potassium containing drug intake
History of intake of drugs that can increase serum potassium e.g.
spironolactone, ACE inhibitors etc.
History of CKD
History of any condition that can cause renal impairment
Any condition that can cause metabolic acidosis
History of crush injury or soft tissue damage
Massive blood transfusion.
29. Treatment: Treatment of hyperkalaemia depends on the severity and the rate of development
1. In the absence of neuromuscular symptoms or ECG changes, reduction of potassium intake and correction of
underlying abnormalities may be sufficient.
2. Acute &/or severe hyperkalaemia more urgent measures must be taken:
Mechanism Therapy
Stabilization of the cell
membrane potential
• I/V calcium gluconate (10 ml of 10% solution) is to be given very
slowly over 10-20 minutes.
To shift into K+
cells • Inhaled ß2 agonist: Nebulization with Salbutamol.
• Glucose with Insulin: 50 ml of 50% glucose with 5-10 IU Insulin-R
[or 100 ml 25% glucose + Inj. Insulin-R 10 IU in Bangladesh].
• Correction of acidosis: I/V sodium bicarbonate (100ml of 8.4%
solution)
To remove K+
from
body
• Intravenous furosemide and normal saline.
• Ion-exchange resin (e.g. Resonium) orally or rectally.
• Newer Cation Exchange resin (Ex. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate)
• Dialysis.