Hyperkalemia

WHAT IS IT?

Hyperkalemia refers to a elevated levels of potassium in the serum (> 5.5 mEq/L).

Hyperkalemia is a medical condition that may require intervention (source)
WHAT CAUSES IT?

 Possible causes of this condition can fall into several categories (outlined below):

  • Increased intake of potassium: iatrogenic (i.e. excess injection)
  • Decreased excretion of potassium: renal insufficiency, Addison disease
  • Increased release of potassium from cells: crush injury, severe trauma, severe burns, hemolysis, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, acidosis
  • Side effect from medication usage: 
    • Nonselective Beta-adrenergic blockers: interfere with intracellular potassium uptake
    • ACE inhibitor/ARB: decreased GFR/inhibition of aldosterone or the ENaC channel 
    • Potassium sparing diuretics: inhibition of aldosterone or the ENaC channel 
    • Digitalis: inhibition of the sodium potassium pump
    • Cyclosporine: blocks aldosterone activity 
    • Heparin: blocks aldosterone production 
    • NSAIDs: decreased renal perfusion which decreased potassium loss by kidneys 
    • Succinylcholine: causes extracellular leakage of potassium through acetylcholine receptors
WHY DO WE CARE MEDICALLY ABOUT THIS CONDITION?

High levels of potassium in the serum can be fatal. This is becasue increased potassium in the serum will result in depolarization of the membrane potential of cells while at the same time making it more difficult for cells to re-polarize/maintain a potential. The cells become refractory and are unable to conduct and electrical signal. When this occurs to cells of the heart cardiac conduction becomes impaired, and this will result in ventricular fibrillation, arrhythmias, slow heart rhythms, and asystole. Hyperkalemia can literally inhibit contraction of the heart, which is ultimately fatal.

WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION FOR THIS CONDITION?
Patient Complaints (Chief Complaints):
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Colicky abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea 

Detection On Medical Studies:

  • Finding on a BMP/CMP
  • Electrocardiogram changes (explained more below)
CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

Serum potassium (CMP/BMP): these routine lab tests will make the diagnosis of hyperkalemia

CLINICAL WORKUP: ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (EKG)

Electrocardiogram changes can be very helpful in indicating the severity of hyperkalemia. There are different changes seen depending on how long the hyperkalemia has been occurring:

Early EKG changes can include:

  • Peaked T waves
  • Widened QRS complex
  • Depression of ST segment

Late EKG changes can include:

  • Disappearance of T waves
  • Heart block
  • Sine wave
  • Cardiac arrest
WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSIS?

A serum potassium of > 5.5 mEq/L is the threshold for diagnosing hyperkalemia

HOW DO WE MANAGE A PATIENT WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS?

The treatment of hyperkalemia is elaborated upon more below:

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 01.28.2017