Background And Objectives: Hyperkalemia is one of the few potentially lethal electrolyte disturbances. Prompt recognition and expeditious treatment of severe hyperkalemia are expected to save lives. This review is intended to provide intensivists and other interested clinicians with an understanding of the pathophysiology that underlies hyperkalemia, and a rational approach to its management.
Methods: This article reviews and analyzes literature relevant to the pathophysiology and management of severe hyperkalemia. Methods include search of MEDLINE, and bibliographic search of current textbooks and journal articles.
Results And Conclusions: A more complete understanding of potassium homeostasis in recent years has led to new approaches to the management of severe hyperkalemia. The physiologically based sequential approach still applies. The efficacy, pitfalls, and risks of the agents available for use at each step in the sequence are critically reviewed. Rational use of the available tools will allow clinicians to successfully treat severe hyperkalemia.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0b013e31818f222b | DOI Listing |
Curr Neuropharmacol
January 2025
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
This review explores the therapeutic potential of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in addressing electrolyte imbalances, specifically hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperlithemia. In hyperkalemia, BPC 157 demonstrated a comprehensive counteractive effect against KCl overdose (intraperitoneally, intragastrically, and in vitro), effectively mitigating symptoms such as muscular weakness, hypertension, sphincter dysfunction, arrhythmias, and lethality. It also counteracted the adverse effects of succinylcholine and magnesium overdose, including systemic muscle paralysis, arrhythmias, and hyperkalemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomedicines
December 2024
Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern around the world. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and, as it progresses, the risk of cardiovascular events increases. Furthermore, end-stage kidney disease severely affects life expectancy and quality of life.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVet Sci
January 2025
Department of Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700490 Iasi, Romania.
A 3-year-old spayed male mixed-breed Labrador presented to the Emergency and Critical Care Unit with lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, a recent history of presyncopal episodes, and severe exercise intolerance. On admission, the patient had bradycardia, low blood pressure, and mild abdominal pain. Serum biochemistry information revealed severe hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and mildly increased liver and kidney parameters.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAust Vet J
January 2025
Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Specialty, Success, Western Australia, Australia.
This case report details an incident of hyperkalaemia that developed under general anaesthesia in a domestic cat with no prior health concerns. A 5-year-old male neutered domestic short-haired cat presented for dental extractions and subsequently developed severe bradycardia and electrocardiographic abnormalities during the procedure. Initial treatment with atropine provided limited improvement, and further investigation revealed a serum potassium concentration of 7.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Internal Medicine, Griffin Hospital, Derby, USA.
Ethylene glycol (C₂H₆O₂), a toxic alcohol commonly found in automotive antifreeze, de-icing solutions, and industrial coolants, can cause severe toxicity when ingested. Due to its sweet taste, it is often consumed accidentally or intentionally, leading to life-threatening consequences such as metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury (AKI), and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment with antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol, combined with hemodialysis, are essential in preventing severe outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!