DISEASE OF THE MONTH Hypokalemia - Consequences , Causes , and Correction

Hypokalemia is one of the most commonly encountered fluid and electrolyte abnormalities in clinical medicine. It can be an asymptomatic finding identified only on routine electrolyte screening, or it can be associated with symptoms ranging from mild weakness to sudden death. The correction of hypokabemia can be simple, but if inappropriately performed can lead to worsening symptoms, and even death. The purpose of this article is to discuss the management of hypokalemia in sufficient detail to allow practitioners to care for patients who have this condition. We shall discuss the epidemiology of hypokalemia and its consequences on renal and extrarenal tissues and shall briefly discuss the physiology of potassium handling and the differential diagnosis of hypokalemia. Finally, we shall consider the important factors that should influence therapy and shall provide general recommendations for patient management. Space limitations preclude extensive reference to many of the primary sources of information; thus, comprehensive reviews are frequently cited.