Hypokalemia E87.6

Electrolyte disturbance in which the plasma potassium concentration in adults is < 3.6 mmol/l (children: <3.2mmol/l).

Causes for this could be, in addition to the reduced potassium intake, also distribution disorders, such as in metabolic alkalosis. Furthermore, gastrointestinal potassium losses play a major role. Diarrhoea or laxative therapy leads to direct K+ loss, while vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis and thus to indirect K+ loss.

Another cause is renal potassium loss, as in primary hyperaldosteronism or diuretic therapy, where reduced tubular sodium reabsorption leads to increased urine and potassium excretion.

Mild hypokalemia tends to be asymptomatic, with fatigue, muscle cramps, and ECG changes occurring rarely.

Mild hypokalemia tends to be asymptomatic, with fatigue, muscle cramps, and ECG changes occurring rarely.