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Hypokalaemia

Last Updated on August 24, 2022

Introduction

• Daily requirement of potassium = 1mmol/kg (i.e. body weight)

Definition

• Hypokalaemia is serum potassium less than 3.5 mmol/L
• Severe hypokalaemia: Serum K+ <2.5 mmol/L

Common Causes

(i) Inadequate intake

(ii) Loss

GI loss
Excessive vomiting / diarrhoea
• High output stoma

Loss from skin
• Burns

(iii) Redistribution into cells

• ß-agonist e.g. Salbutamol
Insulin treatment

Investigations

Blood

ABG / VBG

ECG

• Prolonged PR interval
• Prolonged QT interval
• Diffuse ST depression
• Prominent U wave

Management

Fast correction (with IV KCl)

• Correction = deficit + maintenance

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