Redistribution of electrolytes
Rarely causes clinically significant hypokalaemia. Although the serum potassium is low, total body potassium levels are usually normal.
Majority transcellular potassium shifts are caused by:
- medication
- insulin overdose
- beta 2 sympathomimetics
- decongestants
- xanthenes
- verapamil intoxication
- alkalosis
- refeeding syndrome
- increased beta 2 adrenergic stimulation
- delirium tremens
- head injury
- myocardial ischemia
- thyrotoxicosis
- hypothermia (1,2)
Reference:
- (1) Kim MJ, Valerio C, Knobloch GK. Potassium Disorders: Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jan;107(1):59-70.
- (2) Kardalas E, Paschou SA, Anagnostis P, Muscogiuri G, Siasos G, Vryonidou A. Hypokalemia: a clinical update. Endocr Connect. 2018 Apr;7(4):R135-R146. doi: 10.1530/EC-18-0109.
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.