Hyperkalaemia

Published on 23/05/2015 by admin

Last modified 22/04/2025

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Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is an elevated blood level of potassium>5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalaemia is a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Causes

• Excess administration of potassium, especially rapidly

• Renal failure

• Haemolysis

• Massive blood transfusion

• Crush injuries (rhabdomyolysis)

• Tissue necrosis, e.g. burns, ischaemia

• Metabolic acidosis

• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)

• Drugs interfering with urinary excretion: ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone and amiloride), NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), calcineurin inhibitors for immunosuppression (ciclosporin and tacrolimus), trimethoprim, pentamidine

Symptoms and Signs

Cardiac arrest. Mild breathlessness (hyperkalaemia associated with metabolic acidosis). Paraesthesiae, areflexia. Weakness. Palpitations. Abdominal pain. Hypoglycaemia. Hyperpigmentation associated with Addison’s disease.

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Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is an elevated blood level of potassium>5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalaemia is a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias.