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Aetiology of hyperkalaemia in hospital inpatients

N Thomas1, G T John, C K Jacob

  • 1Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India.

The National Medical Journal of India
|May 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Potassium supplementation and certain medications are the primary causes of hyperkalaemia in hospitalized patients. This common metabolic disorder is more prevalent in males and often develops after admission.

Area of Science:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hyperkalaemia is a prevalent metabolic disorder with potentially fatal outcomes if untreated.
  • Identifying etiological factors in hospitalized patients is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the common causes of hyperkalaemia among inpatients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with hyperkalaemia development in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in a South Indian teaching hospital.
  • 143 patients with hyperkalaemia (serum potassium > 5 mEq/L) were evaluated over three months.
  • Clinical and biochemical assessments were performed to determine the etiology.

Main Results:

  • Hyperkalaemia occurred twice as frequently in males.
  • Potassium supplementation and drug administration were the leading causes, significantly more common than renal failure.
  • Over 75% of hyperkalaemia cases developed post-admission.
  • Severe hyperkalaemia (serum potassium > 6 mEq/L) was observed in one-third of the patients.

Conclusions:

  • Iatrogenic factors, including potassium supplementation and medications, are major contributors to hyperkalaemia in inpatients.
  • Males represent a higher-risk demographic for developing hyperkalaemia.
Abstract

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