HYPOKALEMIA
Major causes of hypokalemia are outlined in Table 1-3. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are the most serious health consequences of hypokalemia. Pts with concurrent Mg deficit and/or digoxin therapy are at a particularly increased risk of arrhythmias. Hypokalemia can directly prolong the QT interval and is a significant cofactor in arrhythmias due to other causes of a prolonged QT interval. Other clinical manifestations include muscle weakness, which may be profound at serum [K+] <2.5 mmol/L, and, if hypokalemia is sustained, hypertension, ileus, polyuria, renal cysts, and even renal failure.
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Abbreviations: APA, aldosterone-producing adenoma; ENaC, epithelial Na+ channels; IHA, idiopathic hyperaldosteronism; PAH, primary adrenal hyperplasia; UAH, unilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
The cause of hypokalemia is usually obvious from history, physical examination, and/or basic laboratory tests. However, persistent hypokalemia may require a more thorough, systematic evaluation (Fig. 1-2). Initial laboratory evaluation should include electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, serum osmolality, Mg2+, and Ca2+, a complete blood count, and urinary pH, osmolality, creatinine, and electrolytes. Serum and urine osmolality are required for calculation of the transtubular K+ gradient (TTKG), which should be <3 in the presence of hypokalemia (see also Hyperkalemia). Alternatively, a urinary K+-to-creatinine ratio of >13-mmol/g creatinine (>1.5-mmol/mmol creatinine) is compatible with excessive K+ excretion. Further tests such as urinary Mg2+ and Ca2+ and/or plasma renin and aldosterone levels may be necessary in specific cases.
FIGURE 1-2
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Citation
Kasper, Dennis L., et al., editors. "HYPOKALEMIA." Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 20th ed., McGraw Hill Inc., 2020. harrisons.unboundmedicine.com/harrisons/view/Harrisons-Manual-of-Medicine/623468/all/HYPOKALEMIA.
HYPOKALEMIA. In: Kasper DLD, Fauci ASA, Hauser SLS, et al, eds. Harrison's Manual of Medicine. McGraw Hill Inc.; 2020. https://harrisons.unboundmedicine.com/harrisons/view/Harrisons-Manual-of-Medicine/623468/all/HYPOKALEMIA. Accessed October 10, 2024.
HYPOKALEMIA. (2020). In Kasper, D. L., Fauci, A. S., Hauser, S. L., Longo, D. L., Jameson, J. L., & Loscalzo, J. (Eds.), Harrison's Manual of Medicine (20th ed.). McGraw Hill Inc.. https://harrisons.unboundmedicine.com/harrisons/view/Harrisons-Manual-of-Medicine/623468/all/HYPOKALEMIA
HYPOKALEMIA [Internet]. In: Kasper DLD, Fauci ASA, Hauser SLS, Longo DLD, Jameson JLJ, Loscalzo JJ, editors. Harrison's Manual of Medicine. McGraw Hill Inc.; 2020. [cited 2024 October 10]. Available from: https://harrisons.unboundmedicine.com/harrisons/view/Harrisons-Manual-of-Medicine/623468/all/HYPOKALEMIA.
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