Diabetes Mellitus Independently Predicts Survival in Beta-Lactam-Associated Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a lesser-known potential side effect of any beta-lactam antibiotic (BLA) therapy. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors and outcome variables of BLA-associated hypokalemia.

This was a retrospective, database-based, monocentric observational cohort study. Women and men undergoing BLA therapy due to a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection were included. Anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory variables were recorded.

A total of 198 patients who received BLA treatment for hypokalemia and 124 individuals without hypokalemia were included in the study. The intrahospital survival rate was significantly lower in the hypokalemia cohort. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was identified as an independent predictor of death, while diabetes mellitus was identified as an independent predictor of survival.

BLA-associated hypokalemia is associated with an elevated mortality rate and, as a result, requires prompt treatment. COPD and diabetes mellitus are each independently predictive of death and survival.