Naslov
Unusual causes of severe hypokalemia among Emergency Department patients

Autori
Žgela, Kristina ; Pavlov, Marin ; Degoricija, Vesna

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Croatian Student Summit 9 (Cross9) Book of abstracts / Sedlić, Filip ; Vukasović, Andreja - Zagreb : Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, 2013, 36-36

Skup
Croatian Student Summit 9 (Cross9)

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 20.03.2013. - 23.03.2013

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Domaća recenzija

Ključne riječi
severe hypokalemia; etiology

Sažetak
Introduction: Low potassium level is the most common electrolyte abnormality among Emergency deperatment (ED) patients. Methods: We present 3 cases of severe hypokalemia with less common etiology. Results: Case1: a patient with history of celiac disease was seen in ED due to diarrhea, muscle weakness and fatigue. Most distinguished laboratory abnormality was hypokalemia (1.2 mmol/L ; noramal range 3.5-5.0 mmol/L). Worsening was provoked by failure to conduct adequate gluten-free diet. Upon treatment the patient was discharged in excellent condition. Case 2: a patient treated for hypertension (including indapamide) presented to ED for fatigue, muscle cramps and weakness. Hypokalemia (1.7 mmol/L) was attributed first to indapamide. Evan excessive potassium supplementation (250 mmol/24h)could not reverse hypokalemia (highest serum potassium level 2.4 mmol/L under treatment). Work-up revealed hypercortisolism due to ectopic ACTH production. As primary tumor could not be found, patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy which solved hypokalemia. Case 3: a pateint with Crohn disease was admitted due to electrolyte imbalance, most severe being hypokalemia (1.7 mmol/L). Initially no obvious cause was established. Detailed gastroenterological work-up revealed worsening of Crohn's disease with numerous intraintestinal siftulae. Despite the lack of profound diarrhea this was considered the main cause of hypokalemia. Treatment was surgical. Conclusion: Severe hypokalemia is rare electrolyte abnormality. Its cause is not always obvious. Since hypokalemia is a life threatening disorder, a thorough work-up and aggresive treatment must be conducted.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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