Hypokaliaemia

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Family history Are there any conditions in your family that are common? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you suffer from: Muscle weakness or cramps?* Abnormal sensations? Paralysis?* Hypotension (low blood pressure)? Cardiac arrhythmia Z. E.g., … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Medical History

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). EAST syndrome (synonym: SeSAME syndrome) – genetic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by cerebral spasms, sensorineural hearing loss, ataxia (disturbance of movement coordination and postural innervation), retardation (delayed development), intellectual deficit, and electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis (metabolic alkalosis), hypomagnesemia/magnesium deficiency); age of manifestation: Infancy, neonatal period … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Complications

The following are the major diseases or complications that may be contributed to by hypokalemia (potassium deficiency): Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Metabolic alkalosis Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., extrasystoles/extra heartbeats). Cardiac arrest Sudden cardiac death (PHT) Mouth, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines (K00-K67; K90-K93). Paralytic ileus (intestinal obstruction due to intestinal … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Complications

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Auscultation (listening) of the heart [tachycardia (> 100 beats per minute)?; arrhythmia?] Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen) (tenderness?, … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Examination

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Electrolytes – calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphate. Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, urine … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Test and Diagnosis

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Correction of hypokalemia, i.e., supplementation of potassium. Avoidance of cardiac arrhythmias Therapy recommendations Compensation of potassium deficiency; in case of concomitant hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) or magnesium in the lower normal range, also supply of magnesium: Mild forms of hypokalemia (serum potassium 2.5-3.5 mmol/l): intake of potassium-rich foods (see below “Further therapy“); if necessary, … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Drug Therapy

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Diagnostic Tests

Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Blood pressure measurement Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – standard examination for cardiac arrhythmias[Hypokalemia: increased P amplitude, ST depression, T flattening, U waves, TU fusion; Cave (Warning)! Increased digitalis sensitivity]Note: Acute hypokalemia shows less pronounced ECG changes than chronic hypokalemia.

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Prevention

To prevent hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Licorice abuse Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients: Potassium Deficiency Consumption of stimulants Coffee, black or green tea, cola (caffeinated beverages). Alcohol (woman: > 20 g/day; man: > 30 g/day).

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate hypokalemia (potassium deficiency): Neuromuscular symptoms: Muscle weakness or cramps. Weakening of intrinsic and extrinsic reflexes Paresthesias (insensations) Paresis (paralysis) Cardiovascular (heart-related) symptoms: Hypotension (low blood pressure) Tachycardia (heartbeat too fast: > 100 beats per minute). Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., extrasystoles/additional heartbeats). Gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal-related) symptoms: Anorexia (loss of appetite). Nausea … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) More than 98% of the potassium in the body is in the intracellular space (IZR = fluid located inside the body cells). The distribution of potassium between extracellular volume (EZR = intravascular space (located inside the vessels) + extravascular space (located outside the vessels) and IZR is influenced by the following … Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia): Causes