Hypokalemia

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Original Editors - Kara Lawless from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.

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Definition/Description

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Prevalence
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Hypokalemia is more common in hospitalized patients, up to 15%, as a result of other pathologies. While only 3% of the outpatient population is found to have Hypokalemia. No difference has been shown between gender and race.[1]

Characteristics/Clinical[edit | edit source]

An individual with Hypokalemis may exhibit signs of the following:

  • Abnormal heart rhythyms
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle Damage
  • Muscle Weakness or spasms
  • Paralysis[2]
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Polyuria, nocturia or polydipsia
  • Altered mental status
  • Signs of Ileus
  • Hypotension
  • Cardia arrest
  • Bradycardia or Tachycardia
  • Premature atrial or ventricular beats
  • Hypoventilation/Respiratory distress
  • Respiratory failure
  • Lethargy
  • Edema (Cushingoid appearance)[3]

Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]

Hypokalemia may present as a result of:

  • Chronic Kidney Failure
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • Diarrhea/Vomiting
  • Excessive Sweating
  • Excessive use of laxatives
  • Prescription Diuretic Pills
  • Primary Aldosteronism[4]
  • Liddle Syndrome
  • Cushing Syndrome
  • Bartter Syndrome
  • Fanconi Syndrome
  • Bulimia
  • ↑ Hypokalemia [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: https://www.clinicalkey.com/topics/nephrology/hypokalemia.html#720089
  • ↑ Hypokalemia [Internet]. 2013 March 22 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000479.htm
  • ↑ Garth D.,Schraga E.Hypokalemia in emergency medicine.[homepage on the Internert]2012 April 13 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/767448-overview
  • ↑ Low postassium (hypokalemia)[Internet] 2011 August 17 [cited 2013 March 27] Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-potassium/MY00760

    • /2

    • Eating large amounts of licorice, herbal teas or chewing tobacco
    • Magnesium Deficiency
    • Glue Sniffing
    • Alcoholism (poor appetite and/or vomiting)
    • Amphotericin B therapy
    • Hypothermia/1

    Medications
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    In order to correct Hypokalemia, potassium supplements can be administered orally or intervenously./2 Oral preparations of potassium include 8m Eq KCl slow release tablets, 20 mEq KClelixir, 20 mEq KCl powder, 25mEq KCl tablet./3

    Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]

    Hypokalemia is commonly found in a blood test, with <3.5mmol/L as mild hypokalemia and <2.5mmol/L as severe hypokalmia.*4 A 12-lead electrocardiogram may be necessary if severe to check from cardiac arrythymias. Other tests may include: arterial blood gas, Basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, as well as, blood tests to check glucose magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, thyroxine, and aldosterone levels.*1

    Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]

    Low potassium has many causes with the most common being excessive loss in urine or from the digestive tract. Very seldom it may be caused by not consuming enough potassium in your diet. Other causes include excessive sweating or use of laxatives.*4


    Certain medications (penicillin, nafcillin, cerbencillin, gentamicin, amphotericin B, foscarnet) are known to be possible causes.


    Other diseases such as Cushing syndrome, Liddle Syndrome, Barrtter Syndrome and Fanconi Syndrome can all potentially casue low potassium levels. *2

    Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]

    Systems Affected
    Cardiovascular

    Cardiac Arrythmias, Hypotension, Premature Artrial or Ventricular Contractions, Bradycardia/Tachycardia/3

    Pulmonary                                  Respiratory Failure due to paralysis of lungs
    Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness, fatigue, cramping and paralysis in sever cases.

    Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]

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    Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]

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    Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]

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    Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

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    Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]

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    Resources
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    Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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    References[edit | edit source]

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