Potassium + calcium Flashcards
What causes increased secretion of K+?
aldosterone
increased delivery of Na and water
high potassium
What value is classed as hypokalaemia?
<3.5mmol/L
Clinical features of hypokalaemia
neuromuscular - weakness, constipation, confusion, rhabdo
cardiac - arrhythmias, ECG changes, digoxin toxicity, hypertension
renal - polydipsia/polyuria, metabolic alkalosis
Hypokalaemia ECG changes
ST segment depression
flattened T wave
U wave
Hypokalaemia aetiology
pseudohypokalaemia
decreased potassium intake/reduced absorption
increased entry into cells
increased GI losses
increased urinary losses
What is pseudohypokalaemia?
blood sample with large number of abnormal white cells (eg. AML) - take up extracellular K+ - reduced conc.
What causes increased entry of potassium into cells?
insulin - stimulates Na-K ATPase
B2 agonists
alkalosis - metabolic or respiratory
hypokalaemic periodic paralysis
What can cause increased urinary loss of potassium?
increased mineralocorticoid activity (primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism)
diuretics - loop + thiazide
renal tubular acidosis
Liddles
Bartters
Gitelmans
Mild-moderate hypokalaemia treatment
K3-3.4
oral potassium replacement
(if primary hyperaldosteronism - give aldosterone antagonists)
Severe hypokalaemia management
<2.5
IV potassium
10-20mmol per hour via peripheral line
careful ECG monitoring
What potassium level is considered hyperkalaemia?
> 5
Hyperkalaemia clinical features
asymptomatic
cardiac
weakness - muscle weakness, paralysis of diaphragm
ECG changes in hyperkalaemia
mild (5.5-6.5) = peaked T waves, prolonged PR segment
moderate (6.5-8) = loss of P wave, prolonged QRS, ST elevation, ectopic beats
severe (>) = sine wave, VF, asystole, axis deviations, bundle branch blocks, fascicular blocks
Hyperkalaemia aetiology
pseudohyperkalaemia
redistribution
reduced renal clearance
What causes pseudohyperkalaemia?
movement of K out of cells after specimen taken - eg. fist clenching, mechanical trauma
severe leucocytosis (CLL)
thrombosis (K released from platelet after clotting)