Hypokalemia

Gülhan KURTOĞLU ÇELİKa , Sıla EKER KOYUNBAKANa

aAnkara Bilkent City Hospital, Clinic of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

ABSTRACT
Hypokalemia is defined as serum potassium levels below 3.5 mEq/L. The primary electrolyte responsible for maintaining the positive charge inside the cell is potassium, and the potassium balance between intra- and extracellular fluids is primarily maintained by the Na+-K+ ATPase pump. The excretion of potassium is primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the kidneys. Hypokalemia is mostly asymptomatic but it may present with clinical findings such as muscle cramps, muscle weakness and fasciculations, and life-threatening arrhythmias. The main causes of hypokalemia include the use of diuretics, alkalosis, and treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis. Biochemical tests are used in the diagnosis. Replacement therapy can be administered orally or intravenously. Intravenous treatment is recommended for severe hypokalemia, life-threatening symptoms, and arrhythmias.
Keywords: Hypokalemia; electrolytes; potassium

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