Alterations in the Body Potassium Content in Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abstract

Summary Determinations of the exchangeable potassium content (Ke) by the radioisotopic method were performed on 13 subjects with cirrhosis of the liver, four of whom had ascites. Twelve of the 13 initial values were below the range found in normal subjects, the remaining value was in the lower normal range. Repeat determinations were performed on 6 subjects. The 3 subjects without ascites showed a significant increase in Ke following a week or more of treatment with a high protein, high carbohydrate, low fat diet, supplementary vitamins. In the 3 subjects with ascites no significant change in Ke occurred, even after the administration of an oral supplement of potassium. The results suggest that an intracellular deficiency of potassium is commonly present in cirrhosis of the liver, that this deficit is not correctable once hepatic decompensation has occurred.