Disorders of Potassium Metabolism BT - Therapy of Renal Diseases and Related Disorders

Abstract

Causes of potassium abnormalities are multiple. They may be observed in a variety of clinical settings from the office to the emergency room, and they confront the endocrinologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, as well as the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Many derangements of potassium homeostasis are confusing and poorly understood. Not infrequently, they are iatrogenically induced. All carry the potential of life-threatening consequences. The importance of recognizing the etiology of changes in potassium homeostasis is critical for appropriate therapeutic intervention. Similarly, an adequate understanding of potassium homeostasis is necessary for preventing or minimizing iatrogenic potential causes of serious hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. For these reasons, a brief overview of normal potassium homeostasis and regulating factors is presented prior to considering specific clinical entities and treatment modalities.