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72 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Potassium distribution in the body
50meq/kg. body wt. (3500 meq/70 kg person)
98% of the total body potassium is intracellular (140-150 meq/l)
2% of the total body potassium is extracellular (3.5-5.0 meq/l)
Factors affecting the intracellular to extracellular K+ concentration
Na+-K+ ATPase pump
Acid base balance
Plasma tonicity-osmolarity
Plasma insulin level
Aldosterone concentration
Epinephrine concentration
Potassium Intake
Only 50% K+ load excreted by kidneys in the first 4-6 hours
80% retained K+ translocated into cells
translocation enhanced by insulin & beta-2 adrenergic receptors which increase Na-K-ATPase pump activity.
Renal regulation of K+ excretion
600-700 meq K+ filtered/day
70-80% reabsorbed in the proximal tubule
15-20% reabsorbed in the loop of henle
10% filtered K+ presented to early distal tubule
Most K+ found in urine is a result of tubular secretion
Tubular secretion of K+ occurs mid-late distal tubule and collecting tubule by the principal cells
Hyperkalemia definition
Elevation of serum potassium >5.0meq/L obtained by venous stick
Tubular K+secretion stimulated by:
Increase in K+ concentration

Rise in aldosterone

Enhanced delivery of Na+ and water
Pathogenesis of Hyperkalemia
list them
I – Movement of K+ from intracellular to extracellular space

II – Decreased renal K+ excretion

III- acute K+ load
Pathogenesis of Hyperkalemia
TYpe 1
Movement from the intracellular to extracellular compartment
Metabolic acidosis
Hyperglycemia / hyperosmolarity
Insulinopenia
Beta-2 blockade
hypoaldosteronism
Exercise (vigorous)
Tissue catabolism
Digitalis overdose
Succinylcholine
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
Pathogenesis of Hyperkalemia
Type 2
Decreased renal K+ excretion
Inadequate Na+ delivery to distal nephron
Decreased distal tubular urine flow
Defect in R-A-A axis
Primary renal tubular secretory defect
Inhibition of distal K+ secretion by acute metabolic acidosis, drugs, or toxins
Differential Diagnosis of Hyperkalemia
Factitious
Acidemia
Increased input
Inadequate distal delivery of Na and/or decrease in distal tubular urinary flow
Renal failure
Impaired R-A-A axis
Primary renal tubular K+ secretory defect
Inhibition of tubular secretion of K+
Abnormal K+ distribution
I. Factitious causes of hyperkalemia
Lab error

Pseudohyperkalemia
II. Acidemia and Hyperkalemia
Acute

Chronic
Factors influencing effect of acidosis on K+ concentration
Origin of acidosis

Accompanying anion

Duration

Change in plasma HCO-3 concentration
III. Increased input of potassium
Endogenous- rhabdomyolysis, burns, post-chemotherapy, hemolysis, GI bleed, and increased cellular catabolism

Exogenous – K+ supplements, KCL infusion, salt substitutes, low sodium diet
IV. Inadequate sodium delivery to distal tubule or decreased urine flow
Acute pulmonary edema in patient with CKD
Decreased vascular volume in patient with CKD
Addisons disease with GI losses and subsequent decrease in vascular volume
Decreased distal Na+ delivery- uncommon cause of hyperkalemia (urinary Na+ must be < 10meq/day to be a factor)
V. Renal failure
Acute oligo-anuric renal failure often associated with hyperkalemia

Etiologies:
Decreased urine flow
Decreased GFR
ATN/acute interstitial nephritis
Lack of time for adaptation
Increased tissue catabolism
Metabolic acidosis

Chronic renal failure – K+ typically normal due to adaptation but increased K+ can occur under certain conditions
VI. Impaired renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis
Addisons disease
Enzyme deficiencies
Primary hypoaldosteronism
Primary hyporeninism
Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism
Drugs – NSAIDS, beta-blockers, ACEI’s, ARB’s, or heparin
VII. Primary renal tubular secretory defect
Sickle cell disease

SLE

Renal transplantation

Obstructive uropathy

Amyloidosis

Hyperkalemic form of distal RTA
VIII. Inhibition of tubular secretion of K+
Spiranolactone

Amiloride

Triamterene

Digitalis (toxic levels)
IX. Abnormal Potassium Distribution
Metabolic acidosis

Insulinopenia

Hypertonicity

B-blockers

Exercise

Familial hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

Aldosterone deficiency

Tissue damage

Digitalis, arginine, succinylcholine
Diagnostic approach to Hyperkalemia
Recheck potassium level if clinical condition not supportive

ABG’s--- optional

Evaluate renal function

Assess urine output

Check for drugs that may cause hyperkalemia

Rule out hyperglycemia/hypertonicity as a cause
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
The presence of S&S is dependent upon severity and rapidity of development

Symptoms are related to impaired neuromuscular transmission

Paresthesias may occur in extremities

Muscle weakness which typically begins in the lower extremities

Untreated it may progress to involve the trunk and upper extremities
Cardiac rhythm disturbances may occur

Significant variability among patients regarding ECG changes and potassium levels

Modifying factors include hyponatremia, hypocalcemia and acidemia

Ongoing clinical assessment and ECG monitoring are recommended
Treatment CDK
Aimed at antagonizing the effects of hyperkalemia on the cell membrane

Enhancing cellular uptake of K+

Accelerate K+ elimination from the body
Therapeutic Measures all of them
Calcium (gluconate-normal kidney or chloride-abnormal kidney)- antagonizes membrane actions of hyperkalemia
Onset: 1-3 minutes
Duration: 30-60 minutes

Insulin and glucose will increase uptake of K+ by the cells by enhancing Na+-K+-ATPase pump in skeletor muscle (and liver)
Onset: 15 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
NO DM- give both insulin and glucagon
DM- give only insulin

Sodium Bicarbonate: will raise the systemic pH causing H+ to move out of the cells and potassium will move into the cells. Also, increasing the plasma bicarbonate level will have a direct effect on lowering potassium independent of pH.
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 2-3 hours

Beta- 2 adrenergic agonists
Enhance K+ uptake/movement into the cells via increasing Na-K-ATPase activity i.e. albuterol- IV or nebulizer
Avoid in patients with known cardiac disease

Cation Exchange Resin
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Effective in the gut for removal of K+ from the body
Typical dose: 30gms
Can be given orally or by rectum
Every gram of Resin will bind approximately 1meq of potassium.
Onset: 1-2 hours
Duration: 4-6 hours

Diuretics
If renal function intact and patient euvolemic to hypervolemic

Dialysis
May be indicated if:
conservative measures ineffective
severe hyperkalemia (K+ > 7.0meq/l)
marked tissue damage or necrosis with ongoing release of K+ from the cells
May remove up to 50meq K+ per hour by standard hemodialysis
CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, effective however slower
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Calcium?onset/duration
(gluconate or chloride)- antagonizes membrane actions of hyperkalemia
Onset: 1-3 minutes
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Insulin and glucose/onset/duration
Insulin and glucose will increase uptake of K+ by the cells by enhancing Na+-K+-ATPase pump in skeletor muscle (and liver)
Onset: 15 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
Therapeutic Measures Hyperkalemia

Sodium bicarbonate/onset/duration
Sodium Bicarbonate: will raise the systemic pH causing H+ to move out of the cells and potassium will move into the cells. Also, increasing the plasma bicarbonate level will have a direct effect on lowering potassium independent of pH.
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 2-3 hours
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Beta- 2 adrenergic agonists
Beta- 2 adrenergic agonists
Enhance K+ uptake/movement into the cells via increasing Na-K-ATPase activity i.e. albuterol- IV or nebulizer
Avoid in patients with known cardiac disease
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Cation Exchange Resin/onset/duration
Cation Exchange Resin
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Effective in the gut for removal of K+ from the body
Typical dose: 30gms
Can be given orally or by rectum
Every gram of Resin will bind approximately 1meq of potassium.
Onset: 1-2 hours
Duration: 4-6 hours
Therapeutic Measures all of them

diuretics
If renal function intact and patient euvolemic to hypervolemic
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Dialysis
Dialysis
May be indicated if:
conservative measures ineffective
severe hyperkalemia (K+ > 7.0meq/l)
marked tissue damage or necrosis with ongoing release of K+ from the cells
May remove up to 50meq K+ per hour by standard hemodialysis
CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, effective however slower
Hypokalemia
Defined as potassium less than 3.5
Transcellular shifts
Gastrointestinal causes
Skin Loss
Renal Losses
Transcellular Shifts
Alkalosis- H+ move out of cells in effort to correct acid/base disturbance
Potassium then enters the cells to maintain electroneutrality. This leads to hypokalemia
Insulin stimulates Na/K atpase and increases the cellular uptake of potassium
Catecholamines- stimulate B adrenergic receptors which causes K to enter the cells
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Dialysis
Dialysis
May be indicated if:
conservative measures ineffective
severe hyperkalemia (K+ > 7.0meq/l)
marked tissue damage or necrosis with ongoing release of K+ from the cells
May remove up to 50meq K+ per hour by standard hemodialysis
CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, effective however slower
Hypokalemia- GI Losses
Severe reduction such as anorexia, alcoholism can lead to K depletion despite renal conservation
Vomiting- causes volume contraction, alkalosis, which can lead to increased aldosterone production and K depletion
Colonic fluid high in K; diarrhea, laxative abuse can cause significant K loss. Aldosterone production is increased as volume loss stimulates production
Hypokalemia- Renal Losses
Increased distal sodium delivery
Thiazides, Loop diuretics increase distal of sodium and subsequent K secretion
Diuretics also cause volume depletion which stimulates aldosterone production
Hereditary disorders such as Barrter’s syndrome and Gitelman syndrome haver defects as well which mimic diuretics
Bicarb and poorly absorbable anion such as sulfate, ketoanions promotes K secretion
Proximal RTA Type II- inability to absorb bicarb causes negative lumen charge causing K secretion distally
Type I RTA –reduced H+ secretion into the tubular lumen is compensated by increased K secretion
Chronic metabolic acidosis from ketosis or hyperglycemia can lead to volume depletion which causes aldosterone production and subsequent K secretion
Hypokalemia
Defined as potassium less than 3.5
Transcellular shifts
Gastrointestinal causes
Skin Loss
Renal Losses
Consequences of Hypokalemia
When level drops below 3 patients may develop muscular weakness, fatigue, malaise, and myalgias
In severe potassium depletion, muscular paralysis, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Results in hyperpolarization of the membrane, leads increase threshold of action potential, leading to weakness. Sodium channels may be inactivated, causing paralysis
Transcellular Shifts
Alkalosis- H+ move out of cells in effort to correct acid/base disturbance
Potassium then enters the cells to maintain electroneutrality. This leads to hypokalemia
Insulin stimulates Na/K atpase and increases the cellular uptake of potassium
Catecholamines- stimulate B adrenergic receptors which causes K to enter the cells
Hypokalemia- Cardiac Complications
Levels less than 3, may cause ECG changes
Hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle, delayed repolarization which leads to prominent U waves
Prolonged QT intervals can lead to PVC’s and V-Tach
Patients should be placed on a cardiac monitor
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Dialysis
Dialysis
May be indicated if:
conservative measures ineffective
severe hyperkalemia (K+ > 7.0meq/l)
marked tissue damage or necrosis with ongoing release of K+ from the cells
May remove up to 50meq K+ per hour by standard hemodialysis
CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, effective however slower
Hypokalemia- GI Losses
Severe reduction such as anorexia, alcoholism can lead to K depletion despite renal conservation
Vomiting- causes volume contraction, alkalosis, which can lead to increased aldosterone production and K depletion
Colonic fluid high in K; diarrhea, laxative abuse can cause significant K loss. Aldosterone production is increased as volume loss stimulates production
Hypokalemia- Renal Losses
Increased distal sodium delivery
Thiazides, Loop diuretics increase distal of sodium and subsequent K secretion
Diuretics also cause volume depletion which stimulates aldosterone production
Hereditary disorders such as Barrter’s syndrome and Gitelman syndrome haver defects as well which mimic diuretics
Bicarb and poorly absorbable anion such as sulfate, ketoanions promotes K secretion
Proximal RTA Type II- inability to absorb bicarb causes negative lumen charge causing K secretion distally
Type I RTA –reduced H+ secretion into the tubular lumen is compensated by increased K secretion
Chronic metabolic acidosis from ketosis or hyperglycemia can lead to volume depletion which causes aldosterone production and subsequent K secretion
Hypokalemia
Defined as potassium less than 3.5
Transcellular shifts
Gastrointestinal causes
Skin Loss
Renal Losses
Hypokalemia- Metabolic Effects
Hypokalemia blunts insulin secretion
Reduction in aldosterone production
Important growth factor- can lead to growth retardation if chronically low
Therapeutic Measures all of them

Dialysis
Dialysis
May be indicated if:
conservative measures ineffective
severe hyperkalemia (K+ > 7.0meq/l)
marked tissue damage or necrosis with ongoing release of K+ from the cells
May remove up to 50meq K+ per hour by standard hemodialysis
CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, effective however slower
Hypokalemia- Renal Effects
K depletion stimulates thirst, impairs urinary concentrating ability
Polyuria, polydipsia may be notedetabolic
Disruption of K dependent countercurrent multiplier system
Metabolic alkalosis from increased ammonia production, H+ enters proximal tubule to replace K , increased ammonium and acid secretion as a result
Non renal losses result in renal conservation of K within 5-10 days, with urinary K less than 20meq/liter
Renal losses result in urinary K greater than 20meq/liter
Potassium depletion results in proximal and distal tubular cell degeneration and vacuolization
Transcellular Shifts
Alkalosis- H+ move out of cells in effort to correct acid/base disturbance
Potassium then enters the cells to maintain electroneutrality. This leads to hypokalemia
Insulin stimulates Na/K atpase and increases the cellular uptake of potassium
Catecholamines- stimulate B adrenergic receptors which causes K to enter the cells
Consequences of Hypokalemia
When level drops below 3 patients may develop muscular weakness, fatigue, malaise, and myalgias
In severe potassium depletion, muscular paralysis, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Results in hyperpolarization of the membrane, leads increase threshold of action potential, leading to weakness. Sodium channels may be inactivated, causing paralysis
Hypokalemia
Defined as potassium less than 3.5
Transcellular shifts
Gastrointestinal causes
Skin Loss
Renal Losses
Hypokalemia-Replacement
Mild hypokalemia about 3.5 can increase dietary intake
Less than 3.0 will need supplement
Oral best choice unless having dysrythmias
IV replacement should not exceed 10-20meq/hour
Very caustic on peripheral veins
Hypokalemia- GI Losses
Severe reduction such as anorexia, alcoholism can lead to K depletion despite renal conservation
Vomiting- causes volume contraction, alkalosis, which can lead to increased aldosterone production and K depletion
Colonic fluid high in K; diarrhea, laxative abuse can cause significant K loss. Aldosterone production is increased as volume loss stimulates production
Hypokalemia- Cardiac Complications
Levels less than 3, may cause ECG changes
Hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle, delayed repolarization which leads to prominent U waves
Prolonged QT intervals can lead to PVC’s and V-Tach
Patients should be placed on a cardiac monitor
Hypokalemia- Renal Losses
Increased distal sodium delivery
Thiazides, Loop diuretics increase distal of sodium and subsequent K secretion
Diuretics also cause volume depletion which stimulates aldosterone production
Hereditary disorders such as Barrter’s syndrome and Gitelman syndrome haver defects as well which mimic diuretics
Bicarb and poorly absorbable anion such as sulfate, ketoanions promotes K secretion
Proximal RTA Type II- inability to absorb bicarb causes negative lumen charge causing K secretion distally
Type I RTA –reduced H+ secretion into the tubular lumen is compensated by increased K secretion
Chronic metabolic acidosis from ketosis or hyperglycemia can lead to volume depletion which causes aldosterone production and subsequent K secretion
Transcellular Shifts
Alkalosis- H+ move out of cells in effort to correct acid/base disturbance
Potassium then enters the cells to maintain electroneutrality. This leads to hypokalemia
Insulin stimulates Na/K atpase and increases the cellular uptake of potassium
Catecholamines- stimulate B adrenergic receptors which causes K to enter the cells
Hypokalemia- Metabolic Effects
Hypokalemia blunts insulin secretion
Reduction in aldosterone production
Important growth factor- can lead to growth retardation if chronically low
Hypokalemia- GI Losses
Severe reduction such as anorexia, alcoholism can lead to K depletion despite renal conservation
Vomiting- causes volume contraction, alkalosis, which can lead to increased aldosterone production and K depletion
Colonic fluid high in K; diarrhea, laxative abuse can cause significant K loss. Aldosterone production is increased as volume loss stimulates production
Consequences of Hypokalemia
When level drops below 3 patients may develop muscular weakness, fatigue, malaise, and myalgias
In severe potassium depletion, muscular paralysis, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Results in hyperpolarization of the membrane, leads increase threshold of action potential, leading to weakness. Sodium channels may be inactivated, causing paralysis
Hypokalemia- Renal Effects
K depletion stimulates thirst, impairs urinary concentrating ability
Polyuria, polydipsia may be notedetabolic
Disruption of K dependent countercurrent multiplier system
Metabolic alkalosis from increased ammonia production, H+ enters proximal tubule to replace K , increased ammonium and acid secretion as a result
Non renal losses result in renal conservation of K within 5-10 days, with urinary K less than 20meq/liter
Renal losses result in urinary K greater than 20meq/liter
Potassium depletion results in proximal and distal tubular cell degeneration and vacuolization
Hypokalemia- Renal Losses
Increased distal sodium delivery
Thiazides, Loop diuretics increase distal of sodium and subsequent K secretion
Diuretics also cause volume depletion which stimulates aldosterone production
Hereditary disorders such as Barrter’s syndrome and Gitelman syndrome haver defects as well which mimic diuretics
Bicarb and poorly absorbable anion such as sulfate, ketoanions promotes K secretion
Proximal RTA Type II- inability to absorb bicarb causes negative lumen charge causing K secretion distally
Type I RTA –reduced H+ secretion into the tubular lumen is compensated by increased K secretion
Chronic metabolic acidosis from ketosis or hyperglycemia can lead to volume depletion which causes aldosterone production and subsequent K secretion
Hypokalemia- Cardiac Complications
Levels less than 3, may cause ECG changes
Hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle, delayed repolarization which leads to prominent U waves
Prolonged QT intervals can lead to PVC’s and V-Tach
Patients should be placed on a cardiac monitor
Hypokalemia-Replacement
Mild hypokalemia about 3.5 can increase dietary intake
Less than 3.0 will need supplement
Oral best choice unless having dysrythmias
IV replacement should not exceed 10-20meq/hour
Very caustic on peripheral veins
Potassium chloride for concomitant alkalosis, potassium citrate or bicarb with acidosis
Consequences of Hypokalemia
When level drops below 3 patients may develop muscular weakness, fatigue, malaise, and myalgias
In severe potassium depletion, muscular paralysis, rhabdomyolysis may occur. Results in hyperpolarization of the membrane, leads increase threshold of action potential, leading to weakness. Sodium channels may be inactivated, causing paralysis
Hypokalemia- Metabolic Effects
Hypokalemia blunts insulin secretion
Reduction in aldosterone production
Important growth factor- can lead to growth retardation if chronically low
Hypokalemia- Cardiac Complications
Levels less than 3, may cause ECG changes
Hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle, delayed repolarization which leads to prominent U waves
Prolonged QT intervals can lead to PVC’s and V-Tach
Patients should be placed on a cardiac monitor
Hypokalemia- Metabolic Effects
Hypokalemia blunts insulin secretion
Reduction in aldosterone production
Important growth factor- can lead to growth retardation if chronically low
Hypokalemia- Renal Effects
K depletion stimulates thirst, impairs urinary concentrating ability
Polyuria, polydipsia may be notedetabolic
Disruption of K dependent countercurrent multiplier system
Metabolic alkalosis from increased ammonia production, H+ enters proximal tubule to replace K , increased ammonium and acid secretion as a result
Non renal losses result in renal conservation of K within 5-10 days, with urinary K less than 20meq/liter
Renal losses result in urinary K greater than 20meq/liter
Potassium depletion results in proximal and distal tubular cell degeneration and vacuolization
Hypokalemia-Replacement
Mild hypokalemia about 3.5 can increase dietary intake
Less than 3.0 will need supplement
Oral best choice unless having dysrythmias
IV replacement should not exceed 10-20meq/hour
Very caustic on peripheral veins
Potassium chloride for concomitant alkalosis, potassium citrate or bicarb with acidosis
Hypokalemia- Renal Effects
K depletion stimulates thirst, impairs urinary concentrating ability
Polyuria, polydipsia may be notedetabolic
Disruption of K dependent countercurrent multiplier system
Metabolic alkalosis from increased ammonia production, H+ enters proximal tubule to replace K , increased ammonium and acid secretion as a result
Non renal losses result in renal conservation of K within 5-10 days, with urinary K less than 20meq/liter
Renal losses result in urinary K greater than 20meq/liter
Potassium depletion results in proximal and distal tubular cell degeneration and vacuolization
Hypokalemia-Replacement
Mild hypokalemia about 3.5 can increase dietary intake
Less than 3.0 will need supplement
Oral best choice unless having dysrythmias
IV replacement should not exceed 10-20meq/hour
Very caustic on peripheral veins
Potassium chloride for concomitant alkalosis, potassium citrate or bicarb with acidosis
Summary- Main points for Potassium
Hyperkalemia is a very common electrolyte disturbance encountered in the hospitalized patient.
Depending upon the severity and/or rapidity of development, it may be life threatening.
With an understanding of the normal physiology of Potassium, the clinician is better prepared to deal with the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of Hyperkalemia.
This will allow for a more appropriate and expedient approach in regards to treatment of your patient.
Hypokalemia- main points
Look for underlying cause
Treat orally when possible
Limit IV bolus K given burning in veins and possible dysrthymias