The mineral and water composition of human red blood cells in diabetic acidosis and during recovery with special reference to changes in potassium content.

Abstract

Abstract Red cell water and electrolyte composition was determined in 9 patients with diabetic acidosis. Using cell solids as a reference, the following were observed: (1) a reduced potassium content, the reduction being roughly correlated with the severity of illness, (2) reduced or low normal sodium and phosphorus values, and (3) a gradual increase in the potassium, sodium, and phosphorus content in 3 to 8 or more days, with treatment which included parenteral potassium. In one half of the patients there was a transient elevation of the red cell sodium content during convalescence. The water content of red cells on admission ranged from low normal to high, and was correlated directly with the red cell potassium content. During the first day of treatment the water content fell in all instances with a simultaneous reduction of the red cell chloride content. The red cell and plasma potassium concentrations of a group of patients with diabetic acidosis treated with parenteral potassium were compared to another group of patients reported upon elsewhere, 5 who were not treated with parenteral potassium. Reduced plasma potassium concentrations after the first treatment day were found only in the group not treated with parenteral potassium. A gradual restoration of the red cell potassium concentration to normal was observed in all patients who received early parenteral potassium but the red cells of some of the patients who did not receive parenteral potassium became more depleted of potassium during the early treatment for diabetic acidosis. Evidence of a correlation between the degree of red cell potassium depletion and the magnitude of total body cell potassium deficiency is presented.