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| ==[[Hyperkalemia electrocardiogram | Electrocardiogram]]== | | ==[[Hyperkalemia electrocardiogram | Electrocardiogram]]== |
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| ==Treatment== | | ==[[Hyperkalemia treatment| Treatment]]== |
| When arrhythmias occur, or when potassium levels exceed 6.5 mmol/l, emergency lowering of potassium levels is mandated. Several agents are used to lower K levels. Choice depends on the degree and cause of the hyperkalemia, and other aspects of the patient's condition.
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| * [[Calcium]] supplementation (calcium gluconate 10% (10ml), preferably through a [[central venous catheter]] as the calcium may cause [[phlebitis]]) does not lower potassium but decreases [[myocardium|myocardial]] excitability, protecting against life threatening [[arrhythmias]].
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| * [[Insulin]] (e.g. intravenous injection of 10-15u of (short acting) insulin (e.g. Actrapid) {along with 50ml of 50% dextrose to prevent hypoglycemia}) will lead to a shift of potassium ions into cells, secondary to increased activity of the [[sodium-potassium ATPase]].
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| * [[Bicarbonate]] therapy (e.g. 1 ampule (45mEq) infused over 5 minutes) is effective in cases of metabolic acidosis. The bicarbonate ion will stimulate an exchange of cellular H<sup>+</sup> for Na<sup>+</sup>, thus leading to stimulation of the [[sodium-potassium ATPase]].
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| * [[Salbutamol]] (albuterol, Ventolin<sup>®</sup>) is a β<sub>2</sub>-selective catacholamine that is administered by nebuliser (e.g. 10-20 mg). This drug promotes movement of K into cells, lowering the blood levels.
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| * [[Polystyrene sulfonate]] (Calcium Resonium, Kayexalate) is a binding resin that binds K within the intestine and removes it from the body by defecation. Calcium Resonium (15g three times a day in water) can be given by mouth. Kayexelate can be given by mouth or as an [[enema]]. In both cases, the resin absorbs K within the intestine and carries it out of the body by [[defecation]]. This medication may cause diarrhea.
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| * Refractory or severe cases may need [[dialysis]] to remove the potassium from the circulation.
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| * Preventing recurrence of hyperkalemia typically involves reduction of dietary potassium, removal of an offending medication, and/or the addition of a [[diuretic]] (such as [[furosemide]] (Lasix<sup>®</sup>) or [[hydrochlorothiazide]]).
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| ==See also== | | ==See also== |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]
Diagnosis
In order to gather enough information for diagnosis, the measurement of potassium needs to be repeated, as the elevation can be due to hemolysis in the first sample. Generally, blood tests for renal function (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen), glucose and occasionally creatine kinase and cortisol will be performed. Calculating the trans-tubular potassium gradient can sometimes help in distinguishing the cause of the hyperkalemia.
In many cases, renal ultrasound will be performed, since hyperkalemia is highly suggestive of renal failure.
Also, electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) may be performed to determine if there is a significant risk of cardiac arrhythmias (see ECG/EKG Findings, below).
See also
References
Template:Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic pathology
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