Symptoms and treatment of high potassium

For our body fluids or other organisms, in order to maintain the normal functioning of our body, there are many ions or some common microorganisms, or minerals in our body or organisms to maintain normal functioning. Of course, the two most common ions in our human body are hyaluronic acid ions. So let’s take a look at the symptoms and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

1. Causes

Excessive intake, such as transfusing potassium-containing solution too quickly or in large amounts, transfusing blood that has been stored for too long, or using large amounts of penicillin potassium salt, can cause hyperkalemia. Reduced renal potassium excretion is seen in the oliguria and anuria phases of renal failure, adrenal cortex hypofunction, etc. Intracellular potassium outflow is seen in severe hemolysis, hypoxia, acidosis caused by transfusion of incompatible blood or other reasons, and crush syndrome caused by trauma. Decreased extracellular fluid volume occurs in hemoconcentration due to dehydration, blood loss, or shock.

2. Symptoms

Often masked by the primary disease. The main symptoms are extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, cold extremities, disappearance of tendon reflexes, and central nervous system symptoms such as slow movements and drowsiness may also occur. Dull heart sounds, slow heart rate, premature ventricular contractions, atrioventricular block, ventricular fibrillation, or cardiac arrest.

3. Diagnosis

The clinical symptoms of hyperkalemia are not specific and are often masked by the symptoms of the primary disease or uremia. Therefore, laboratory tests and electrocardiograms are generally the main basis for diagnosis. Laboratory tests show that the serum potassium concentration is higher than 5.8mEq/L, often accompanied by metabolic acidosis and decreased carbon dioxide binding capacity. Electrocardiogram is an important indicator for diagnosis: when blood potassium is >6mmol/L, extremely narrow and sharp T waves appear; when it is 7~9mmol/L, the PR interval is prolonged, the P wave disappears, the QRS complex becomes wider, the R wave gradually becomes lower, the S wave gradually becomes deeper, and the ST segment and T wave merge; when it is >9~10mmol/L, a sine wave appears, the QRS complex is prolonged, and the T wave is tall and sharp; then ventricular fibrillation and peristalsis occur.

IV. Treatment

First of all, the cause should be corrected and the source of potassium should be reduced: such as stopping the use of potassium-containing foods or drugs; providing a high-sugar and high-fat diet or using intravenous nutrition to ensure sufficient calories and reduce the potassium released by metabolism in the body; clearing blood or necrotic tissue in the body; avoiding the use of stored blood; reducing infection and reducing cell decomposition. Treat dehydration, acidosis, etc. To correct acidosis, inject 100 ml of 11.2% sodium lactate solution or 5% sodium bicarbonate solution intravenously. For critically ill patients, 10 to 20 ml can also be injected into the cardiac cavity. In addition to correcting acidosis, it also has the effect of lowering blood potassium. To lower blood potassium, intravenously inject 200ml of 25% glucose solution plus 10-20U of insulin to promote the transfer of potassium from extracellular to intracellular. To eliminate excess potassium in the body, cation exchange resins can be used orally or by enema, such as sodium cyclopentane resin, 20 to 40 g per day, divided into 3 times, to promote potassium excretion. Peritoneal dialysis can be used to treat hyperkalemia caused by renal failure. To relieve the harmful effects of high potassium on the myocardium, 5 to 10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution or calcium chloride solution can be repeatedly injected intravenously, because calcium can antagonize the effects of potassium on the myocardium. Dialysis is suitable for patients with acute and severe illness accompanied by renal failure. Hemodialysis is the best option, but peritoneal dialysis can also be used.