Hyperkalemia resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby, M.D. [2]; Mahmoud Sakr, M.D. [3]

Overview

Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.5 mEq/L in adults. Levels higher than 7 mEq/L can lead to significant hemodynamic compromise.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Acute renal failure
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Large IV doses of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate
• Massive hemolysis
• Metabolic acidosis
• Rapid tissue necrosis
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Tumor lysis syndrome

Common Causes

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Blood transfusion
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Potassium supplementation (oral or IV)
• Potassium rich diet
• Medications: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, amiloride, spironolactone, NSAIDS, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, trimethoprim, pentamidine, succinylcholine
• Pseudohyperkalemia
• Renal insufficiency
• Renal tubular acidosis type 4

Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to hyperkalemia.

Potassium > 5.5 mEq/L

If repeated potassium level is normal, check potassium level in 24 hours

R/O Pseudohyperkalemia (Artifact, hemolysis, elevated WBC, elevated RBC, elevated platelets) Repeat potassium level

Check vital signs ABC's Order an EKG Obtain a concise history and physical exam Order BUN, creatinine, glucose, ABG

Assess EKG

Presence of EKG changes Loss of P waves, peaked T waves and wide QRS

Absence of EKG changes and Hemodynamically stable patient

Do the following steps simultaneously: 1. Myocardial stabilization IV Ca gluconate (1-2 amps) Contraindicated in digoxin toxicity and hypercalcemia 2. Shift potassium from blood into cells Insulin (0.2 units for every gram of glucose administered) and 20% dextrose ( 2.5-5 ml/kg/h) (D50 1 ampule/10unit insulin) Glucose level monitoring is needed Beta2 agonists (albuterol is given 10-20mg via nebulizer or 0.5 mg IV) 3. Lower total body potassium Cation exchange resin (kayexalate 30-90g given P.O. or P.R.) Loop diuretics (furosemide 1-2 mg/kg) Hemodialysis if refractory

Potassium > 6 mEq/L

5.5mEq/L<Potassium<6mEq/L

Do the following steps simultaneously: 1. Monitor for cardiac arrhythmia Place the patient on a closely monitored bed for potential arrhythmias 2. Shift potassium from blood into cells Insulin (0.2 units for every gram of glucose administered) and 20%dextrose ( 2.5-5 ml/kg/h) Glucose level monitoring is needed Beta2 agonists (albuterol is given 10-20mg via nebulizer or 0.5 mg IV) 3. Lower total body potassium Cation exchange resin (kayexalate 30-90g given P.O. or P.R. Loop diuretics (furosemide 1-2 mg/kg) Hemodialysis if refractory

Lower total body potassium Cation exchange resin (kayexalate 30-90g given P.O. or P.R.) Loop diuretics (furosemide 1-2 mg/kg)

D/C any offending medications that is associated with hyperkalemia D/C oral or parenteral potassium Correct acidosis with bicarb if pH<7.2 Restrict dietary potassium intake Review potassium levels every 2-4 hours until stabilized Check levels of other electrolytes such as magnesium and phosphorus

Do's

1) Calcium, insulin with glucose, beta-2-adrenergic agonists, and sodium bicarbonate (in certain group of patients) can rapidly decrease the serum potassium levels. These should be the first line in patients with hyperkalemia related electrocardiographic changes, potassium levels > 6.5, and rapidly increasing less severe hyperkalemia.

2) Cation exchange resins are effective in lowering the serum potassium after multiple doses and are not effective immediately. Thus, they should always be combined with rapidly acting agents when used. They can produce severe side effects like intestinal necrosis.