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Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. [1] [3]
One of the measures of kidney function is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Other tests that can assess the function of the kidneys include assessment of electrolyte levels such as potassium and phosphate, assessment of acid-base status by the measurement of bicarbonate levels from a vein, and assessment of the full blood count for anaemia.
A simple means of estimating renal function is to measure pH, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and basic electrolytes (including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate). As the kidney is the most important organ in controlling these values, any derangement in these values could suggest renal impairment.
Electrocardiography (ECG) may show whether the elevated potassium levels are affecting the conduction system of the heart, as suggested by the presence of T wave changes or broadening of the QRS complex. [21] Low calcium levels may be present in the initial stage due to binding of free calcium to damaged muscle cells. [4]
The age term is (140 – age). This means that a 20-year-old person (140 – 20 = 120) will have twice the creatinine clearance as an 80-year-old (140 – 80 = 60) for the same level of serum creatinine. The C-G equation assumes that a woman will have a 15% lower creatinine clearance than a man at the same level of serum creatinine.
Emergency lowering of potassium levels is needed when new arrhythmias occur at any level of potassium in the blood, or when potassium levels exceed 6.5 mmol/L. Several agents are used to temporarily lower K + levels. The choice depends on the degree and cause of the hyperkalemia, and other aspects of the person's condition.
Marked increases in the potassium level can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, which can be severe and life-threatening. [7] Fluid balance is frequently affected, though blood pressure can be high, low, or normal. [8] Pain in the flanks may be encountered in some conditions (such as clotting of the kidneys' blood vessels or inflammation of the ...
Potassium: 2.6 [1] 3.0 [1] mmol/L Chloride: 115 [1] 130 [1] mmol/L >100% [1] Calcium: 1.00 [1] ... Creatinine: 50 [1] 110 [1] μmol/L Phosphorus: 0.4 [1] 0.6 [1 ...