Electrolyte disturbance in which the plasma potassium concentration in adults is < 3.6 mmol/l (children: <3.2mmol/l).
HypokalemiaE87.6
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.
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.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Mild hypokalemia tends to be asymptomatic, with fatigue, muscle cramps, and ECG changes occurring rarely.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Mild hypokalemia tends to be asymptomatic, with fatigue, muscle cramps, and ECG changes occurring rarely.