redistribution of electrolytes
Last edited 02/2018 and last reviewed 04/2022
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 intoxcation
- alaklosis
- reefeding syndrome
- increased beta 2 adrenergic stimulation
- delirium tremens
- head injury
- myocardial ischemia
- thyrotoxcosis
- hypothermia (1,2)
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