The relation between extra- and intracellular electrolytes in patients with hypokalemia and/or diuretic treatment

The relation between extra- and intracellular electrolytes has been studied by means of percutaneous muscle biopsies in 107 patients with hypokalemia and/or treatment with diuretics. No relation was found between the extra- and intracellular concentrations of Na or Mg. The serum and muscle contents of K correlated weakly. The correlation coefficient tended to be stronger when S-creatinine was normal, total carbonate was between 25 and 30 mmol/l, muscle Mg content was greater than or equal to 3.95 mmol/100 g fat free dry solids, and when no treatment was given with digitalis and/or diuretics.