Hypokalemia—December 20, 1995

Hypokalemia—December 20, 1995

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Hypokalemia is an inevitable consequence of diuretic use, paracentesis, and corticosteroid therapy; it is also observed in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Clinically, this condition manifests in three symptom groups: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal distension, poor appetite, and diminished bowel sounds, sometimes progressing to mental apathy and flaccid paralysis of the limbs. More severe hypokalemia may present with a weak pulse, decreased blood pressure, dyspnea, absent tendon reflexes, paralytic ileus, generalized numbness, and profound sensory disturbances; cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and altered consciousness may also occur.

Treatment: Since potassium is difficult to enter cells, treatment for hypokalemia should be continued for at least 4–5 days, typically extending over two weeks.