Blood Potassium Levels Research Articles

HFrEF phenotyping in real life

Abstract Background In May 2021 an HFA position paper[1] by Rosano GMC et al. classified patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) into 11 phenotypes based on blood pressure, heart rate, renal function, potassium level and rhythm and assigned them to different prescription attitudes. Aim We aim to investigate the distribution of phenotype frequency in our cohort and their respective outcomes. Methods From 2016 to 2022 we enrolled 900 advanced HFrEF patients with severely reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <35%) in a prospective registry from our tertiary care heart failure unit. Patients were grouped according to the suggested phenotypes. Distribution and outcome for the different groups was analyzed. Results Characteristics of the different phenotypes, the distribution and outcome are shown in Figure 1. 65.8% of patients belong to 5 categories [3, 4, 5, 7b and 9]. Baseline characteristics of these 5 profiles are shown in Table 1. With the exception of Profile 3, which is characterized by a low resting hear rate, these major profiles are all eligible to receive all 4 drugs with class I recommendation at maximal dosages (RASi, BB, MRA, SGLT2i). The 6 remaining categories, all with GDMT limiting features, comprise solely another 3.8% of patients [1.8%, 1.2%, 0.3%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0%, for the categories 7c, 7a, 1, 2, 6, 8 respectively]. With 30.2% a significant proportion of patients could not be assigned to one profile exclusively mostly because they showed a combination of profile attributes. Thus, of all classifiable HFrEF patients, with 83.4% the majority has no GDMT limiting features and should receive full HFrEF therapy. All-cause mortality did not differ between patient phenotypes [4,5,7b and 9] and the others (p = 0.193), while uncategorizable patients had significantly worse survival (p<0.0001) (Figure 1c). Conclusion The study provides insight into heart failure phenotyping in a real-world setting. Most HFrEF patients are eligible for the 4 class I drugs of HFrEF medication, and only a minority may not be able to receive them. However, nearly one-third of all patients could not be categorized, including those with the poorest survival. Given these findings, the added value of the classification of patients according to this pattern seems limited in routine practice, possibly resulting from the complexity of the clinical picture of HFrEF.Figure 1 BL characteristics

Potassium and magnesium and cognitive decline in middle-aged adults

BACKGROUND: Increase in dementias globally is a burden to patients, caregivers, the healthcare system, and the communities in which they live. Understanding nutritional patterns and how they may impact the prevention of these conditions will be critical moving forward. The known impact of minerals such as potassium and magnesium on conditions such as hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation – all of which directly impact cognitive health – warrant further study as to their potential direct effects on cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: To determine if low potassium and magnesium blood levels and dietary intakes are associated with cognitive decline in middle-aged adults over a 6-year span. METHODS: Linear regression models were used to describe the associations between potassium and magnesium intakes and cognitive function scores of participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) dataset over 6 years of follow up. Associations with blood values were also assessed. Variables controlled for included total HEI score, a measure of dietary quality. 9,044 participants were included. All linear regression models were run with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Levels of blood potassium and magnesium, in univariate as well as in multivariate analysis were found to have no significant association with cognitive decline. Likewise, intake levels of both minerals were shown to have no significant association with cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: In 9,044 participants, ages 44 to 66, potassium and magnesium intake and blood serum levels were found to have no significant association with cognitive decline in fully controlled models over 6 years in the ARIC cohort.

Abstract 14276: Using Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing on Electronic Health Records of Heart Failure Patients to Examine the Impact of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Trend on Mortality

Introduction and Hypothesis: Heart failure (HF) often leads to an imbalance between heart and kidney function, with a poor prognosis in HF patients linked to dynamic changes in renal function as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to determine the incidence of reduced renal function upon HF diagnosis and to explore the potential for dynamic changes in kidney function to predict short- and long-term outcomes in a real-world cohort of HF patients. Methods: Clinical data of patients with a diagnosis of HF (index event) were gathered retrospectively using natural language processing. Patients were classified as having CKD based on their eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73m2) and a history of CKD and/or dialysis. eGFR trajectories were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relationship between baseline variables and mortality. Joint modeling was employed to assess the relationship between the eGFR trend and mortality. Results: There were 1986 patients in the study population, with a mean (SD) age of 74.8 ± 11.7 years and 58% of males. At the index event, 58% (n = 1156) had CKD, and 17% (n = 339) had HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Median follow-up was 3.16 years. After 2 years, 10% (n = 198) of the patients had passed away. The proportion of CKD at index was considerably lower in the 2-year survivors group (55% vs 76%, p < 0.001) in this group. The calculated mean annual eGFR reduction was 4.2 mL/min/1.73m 2 . Age, CVA, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, HDL, potassium, and NT-proBNP levels in blood serum were found to be the primary predictors of mortality in multivariate Cox PH model. Joint modeling revealed that a current eGFR value that was 10 mL/min/1.73m 2 lower between patients corresponded with a higher mortality hazard of 1.22 ± 0.05 (p < 0.001). In addition, a drop in eGFR of 10 mL/min/1.73m 2 over the previous year showed an the elevated mortality hazard of 1.97 ± 0.16 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We show that the prevalence of CKD is significant in a real-world population of HF patients, and CKD is a standalone predictor of mortality. Current eGFR value and the eGFR slope from the previous year have a potential to be used for individual mortality hazard assessment in the clinical follow-up of HF patients.

Abstract 15559: Mortality Risk Stratification Using Artificial Intelligence Augmented Prediction of Serum Potassium in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients

Introduction: Hyperkalemia has been associated with increased mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. An artificial intelligence (AI) augmented electrocardiogram (ECG) can predict hyperkalemia, and other AI-ECG algorithms have predicted mortality in CICU patients. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the AI-ECG hyperkalemia algorithm could stratify mortality risk beyond the serum potassium measurement. Methods: We included 11 234 unique Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 who had both a 12 lead ECG and blood potassium (K) level obtained at admission with K>=5 mEq/L defining hyperkalemia. ECGs underwent AI evaluation for probability of hyperkalemia (probability >=0.5 defined as positive). Hospital mortality was analyzed using logistic regression and survival to one year was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox analysis. Results: The mean age was 70 years, 37.8% were females, and 92.4% were white. Chronic kidney disease was present in 20%. The mean K value was 4.2 mEq/L, and 13% (n=1460) had hyperkalemia. AI-ECG predicted hyperkalemia in 34% (n=3820). In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with laboratory and/or AI-ECG hyperkalemia, and these patients had lower survival out to 1 year. Mortality was lowest in patients with normal K and negative AI-ECG and highest in patients with both laboratory-confirmed hyperkalemia and AI-ECG predicted hyperkalemia. Patients with isolated laboratory hyperkalemia (false-negative AI-ECG) had higher mortality than those with isolated AI-ECG hyperkalemia (false-positive AI-ECG). Conclusions: AI-ECG probability of hyperkalemia, even with a normal laboratory K, was associated with higher short-term and long-term mortality in CICU patients. The laboratory K value and AI-ECG probability of hyperkalemia are complementary risk factors. The AI algorithm can detect prognostically important ECG abnormalities which may reflect the effects of K levels on the myocardium.

Effect of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in combination with insulin and glucose infusion on hyperkalemia treatment

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) in combination with insulinand glucose infusion in managing hyperkalemia.
 Methods: A total of 126 patients, who were admitted with hyperkalemia (≥ 5 mmol/L) to the Yongchuan District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China from January 2021 to December 2022, were retrospectively studied. Participants were divided into three groups based on different potassium-lowering regimens, viz, SZC group (40 patients), insulin with glucose (IG) group (38 patients) and SZC + IG group (48 patients). Changes in potassium levels, other serum electrolytes (magnesium, sodium, phosphate, calcium), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and albumin before and after treatment were recorded. Adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded.
 Results: Post-treatment, the potassium levels in all three groups exhibited a significant reduction when compared to pre- treatment values (p < 0.05). The SZC + IG group showed the highest efficacy, with a significant reduction in blood potassium levels observed 4 h after administration, which was more pronounced compared to other groups. The SZC + IG group, maintained potassium ion concentration at a normal level for a longer duration and no serious adverse reactions were observed during treatment.
 Conclusion: Intervention with SZC + IG lowers blood potassium levels, maintains it within normal range, and is more effective than the individual use of SZC or IG. A combination of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, insulin and glucose infusion for treating hyperkalemia will need to be investigated further in a large-scale multicenter study.

Effect of yogurt on fluoride induced toxicity of plasma markers of kidney in rabbits

Fluoride (F) is one of the major chemical substances that damage the renal tissue prevention tubular reabsorption, increasing the excretion of sodium (Na+) and chloride (cl-), and enhancing creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and potassium (K+) level. Results revealed that on 16th day in groups B, D, E and G, Cr. values were significantly (P˂0.05) increased on 31st day in group-F, Cr. value was significantly (P˂0.05) decreased, whereas, in groups-B, D, E and G, Cr. values were significantly increased (P˂0.05). On 16th and 31st day, in yogurt-treated groups i.e.- C and F, UA values were significantly (P˂0.05) decreased, whereas, in groups B, D, E and G, UA values were significantly (P˂0.05) increased. On 16th and 31st day, in groups-B, D, E and G BUN level was significantly (P˂0.05) increased. On 16th and 31st day in groups-B and E, Na+ level was significantly (P˂0.05) decreased. Whereas, in groups C, D, F and G, Na+ level was significantly (P˂0.05) increased. Likewise, on 16th and 31st day, in groups-B, D, E and G, K+ level was significantly (P˂0.05) increased. On 16th day in groups-B and E, cl- level was significantly (P˂0.05) decreased. While, in groups- F and G cl- level was significantly (P˂0.05) increased. On 31st in groups-B & E, cl- level was significantly (P˂0.05) decreased. While, in groups-C, D, F and G, cl- levels was significantly (P˂0.05) increased. It has been concluded that increased levels of sCr, UA, BUN, K+ and reduced levels of Na+ and cl- were observed in all fluoride treated groups. Yogurt-treated groups showed decreased levels of Cr, UA, BUN and K+ and increased levels of Na+ and Cl- in experimental rabbits

A Prospective Observational Study of Factors Affecting the Change in Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism After Treatment

ObjectiveTo explore the changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) after standardized treatment and determine the effects of different variables on the change in the HRQoL of patients. MethodsA total of 116 patients with PA were prospectively included from November 2020 to March 2022. Data were collected at their initial diagnosis and the follow-up after 12 months of treatment, including demographic and clinical data and the scores of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The scores of each dimension of SF-36 of patients before and after treatment were compared, and the factors affecting their change in the quality of life were analyzed using multiple linear regression. ResultsAfter standardized treatment, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (Z = −4.967, P < .001), systolic blood pressure (t = 8.985, P < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (t = 7.233, P < .001) of patients with PA decreased compared with baseline, and hypokalemia was effectively corrected (χ2 = 69.014, P < .001). In terms of quality of life, 6 of 8 dimensions of SF-36 and the total score of SF-36 significantly improved at 1-year follow-up compared with baseline (all P < .05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the improvement in the HRQoL in patients with PA after standardized treatment was correlated with the change in the blood potassium level (P = .007) and systolic blood pressure (P = .003). ConclusionCorrection of hypokalemia and control of diastolic blood pressure are essential factors contributing to the improvement in the HRQoL in patients with PA regardless of the standardized treatment received.

Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations of the SLC12A3 Gene in Gitelman Syndrome with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Hypothyroidism

Introduction: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an inherited kidney disease that causes an imbalance of charged ions in the body. SLC12A3 mutation is the predominant cause of GS. There are different known and unknown pathogenic mutations in SLC12A3. Case Presentation: In the present case report, an 8-year-old girl was referred to our pediatric endocrinology clinic for evaluation of short stature. Her height was 113 cm (-2.94 SD). Her growth hormone peak was 5.81 ng/mL. IGF-1 was lower than -2SD. Thyroid stimulating hormone was high. The blood potassium was 3.37 mmol/L. After 3 months of GH treatment, her blood potassium dropped further (3.01 mmol/L). The gene test results showed that there were two heterozygous mutations of the SLC12A3 gene: C.1456G&gt;A (p.D486N) and c.1065_1072 delGCAGGG (p.A356Qfs*5), which her parents verified. Conclusions: Gitelman syndrome can be associated with growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism in addition to short stature, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, and the underlying molecular mechanisms need to be explored in the coexistence of these three diseases. The experience, in this case, is that blood electrolytes should be checked monthly for the first three months after growth hormone treatment for short stature. Once the blood potassium level is low, much attention should be paid to further diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.

INTRACOLON COOLING INCREASES SURVIVAL RATE IN THE RAT MODEL OF LETHAL HEMORRHAGE.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate whether transrectal intracolon (TRIC) cooling can prolong the survival duration in a rat hemorrhagic shock (HS) model. Methods: A lethal HS was induced by bleeding 47% of the total blood volume. A TRIC device was placed into the colon to maintain the intracolon temperature either at 37°C (TRIC37) or at 10°C (TRIC10) post-HS. In the surface cooling (SC) rats, the body temperatures were maintained at the same level as the esophageal temperature of the TRIC10 rats. A separated group of TRIC10 rats were resuscitated (Res) at 90 min post-HS. A total of six groups were as follows: (i) Sham TRIC37 (n = 5), (ii) Sham TRIC10 (n = 5), (iii) HS TRIC37 (n = 5), (iv) HS TRIC10 (n = 6), (v) HS SC (n = 6), and (vi) HS TRIC10 + Res (n = 6). Results: An average post-HS survival time was 18.4 ± 9.4 min in HS TRIC37 and 82 ± 27.82 min in the HS SC group. In striking contrast, the HS TRIC10 group exhibited an average survival time of 150.2 ± 66.43 min. The post-HS blood potassium level rose significantly in the HS TRIC37 and HS SC, whereas it remained unchanged in the TRIC10 groups. Post-HS intestinal damage occurred in HS TRIC37 and HS SC groups but virtually absent in HS TRIC10 groups. After resuscitation at 90 min post-HS, all HS TRIC10 rats were fully recovered from the lethal HS. Conclusions: TRIC10 reversed the high blood potassium level, prevented the intestinal damage, and prolonged the survival duration by sixfold relative to normothermia and by twofold compared with SC post-HS. All TRIC10 rats were successfully resuscitated at 90 min post-HS.

SAT227 A 17-year old Teenager With Recurrent Syncopes In The Setting of Hypocalcemia

Abstract Disclosure: D.V. Chartoumpekis: None. P. Bountouris: None. K. Dimitropoulos: None. I.G. Habeos: None. Background: One of the main reasons of syncope is the long QT syndrome. The exercise-induced hypocalcemia in a background of primary hypoparathyroidism is sometimes overlooked in the differential diagnosis. Clinical Case: A 17-year old female was transferred to the emergency room of the University Hospital of Patras after having experienced a syncope while swimming. She described in the past 6 months similar episodes during exercise (running, cycling). A basic investigation with full blood count, sodium, potassium, cortisol and TSH levels along with a brain MRI and an ECG were performed at her primary care physician. Due to a discovered long QT she was addressed to a cardiology private office for further investigation. However, before the planned appointment she had this episode while swimming and she was admitted to the cardiology department. During her hospitalization a serum calcium of 4.7 mg/dl and a serum P of 9.4 mg/dl were discovered with a non-detectable PTH. The endocrinology division was called for further evaluation. Chvostek and Trousseau’s signs were positive. The patient was administered a calcium gluconate drip and in parallel a treatment with calcium carbonate and alphacalcidol was initiated. The possibility of an autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome was excluded as the patient did not present candidiasis, adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disease or diabetes. After her exit from the hospital she was followed up at the outpatient endocrinology clinic and her daily doses of calcium carbonate and alphacalcidol was modified several times as the [CaxP] was always higher than 55 mg2/dl2 and when the dose of calcium carbonate was lowered she developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. During the first month of her follow-up a cataract in the right eye was discovered and a brain MRI unveiled basal ganglia calcifications. No signs of renal stones or nephrocalcinosis were seen in the ultrasound. As the calcium and phosphate levels, after almost 9 months of changes in the treatment schemes, were not optimal, a treatment with recombinant PTH was initiated. This treatment aided the patient to reach low normal levels of calcium and [CaxP] lower than 55 mg2/dl2. The patient is followed up every six months in the endocrinology outpatient clinic. Conclusion: This is an interesting case of primary hypoparathyroidism possibly of autoimmune origin. The presence of syncopes during exercise could be due to a further drop of calcium levels due to transient respiratory alkalosis. This case can be useful in the teaching of differential diagnosis of long QT syndrome, the management and evaluation of an hypocalcemia and the rule out of autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes in the context of a primary hypoparathyroidism. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Artificial intelligence based model for Automatic Real-Time and Non-Invasive Estimation of blood potassium level in pediatric patients

Artificial intelligence based model for Automatic Real-Time and Non-Invasive Estimation of blood potassium level in pediatric patients

Difficulties in electrocardiographic diagnosis of hyperkalemia and acute coronary syndrome: clinical case

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice testifies to the difficulties in diagnosing hyperkalemia according to electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria during the primary contact between the doctor and the patient. This leads to the establishment of alternative diagnoses, particularly acute coronary syndrome, a delay in the implementation of measures aimed at lowering the blood potassium levels and a possible adverse outcome.&#x0D; CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: The article presents the clinical observation of a patient with severe hyperkalemia in the background of acute renal injury caused by mesenteric thrombosis, with ECG changes in the form of high-amplitude T wave in leads V2V6 and induced non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Considering the patients history of coronary heart disease, ECG data (high-amplitude T wave in leads V2V6) were regarded as acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation. According to emergency indications, the patient underwent coronary angiography and endoprosthetics of the left circumflex artery (stenosis 99%). Upon further examination, levels of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis were slightly increased, which confirmed the established preliminary diagnosis and hyperkalemia. However, 6 h after hospitalization, the patient died. A subsequent autopsy revealed a contradiction between the clinical path and anatomical diagnosis.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: This case reveals the complexity of the differential diagnosis of changes in the T wave and ST segment. Failure to promptly determine the underlying cause of these ECG changes in the presented case led to an inaccurate management strategy that negatively affects the prognosis.

Development and validation of a risk prediction nomogram for serious arrhythmias in acute digoxin toxicity among pediatrics: A multicenter study

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside obtained from the leaves of the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata. Several studies have described the safety of digoxin including various life-threatening events, notably cardiac arrhythmias. Early identification of high-risk patients and subsequent initiation of the utmost medical care are associated with a better prognosis. The assessment of serum digoxin levels, which is not always convenient, is the only tool used to evaluate the severity of digoxin exposure. However, the feasibility of this tool, particularly in resource-restricted countries, remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to establish and validate a feasible alternative tool, a bedside nomogram, to identify pediatric patients diagnosed with acute digoxin intoxication who are at risk of developing serious arrhythmias. This was a two-phase, multicenter, retrospective study. The prevalence of serious arrhythmias was approximately 17%. Patients diagnosed with serious arrhythmias showed significantly higher serum digoxin, random blood glucose, and potassium levels but lower sodium, magnesium, and hemoglobin levels. Serious arrhythmias were associated with significantly lower P-R intervals, shorter QTc intervals, and more frequent digoxin effects (p < 0.05). The proposed nomogram showed that combining age and initial random blood glucose, sodium, and potassium levels could predict the future incidence of serious arrhythmia with an accuracy of 96.2% (sensitivity = 94.4%, specificity = 96.5%), an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.977, and p < 0.001. Validation of the proposed nomogram yielded an AUC for the nomogram probability of approximately 81%, and the AUC for the predicted probability using the developed model was 98.3%, indicating that both the validated model and the developed nomogram were significant predictors of serious arrhythmia. The utility of using the four-factor nomogram to determine the risk of serious arrhythmia in children exposed to an overdose of digoxin is comparable, if not superior, to the serum digoxin level.

Clinical Overview and Treatment of Hypokalemia in Pediatric Patients: A Narrative Literature Review

Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium levels are below the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in many physiological processes in the body, including nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, and acid-base balance. This literature review aimed to describe the clinical and current management aspects of hypokalemia in pediatric patients. The pathophysiology of hypokalemia involves a disturbance in the balance of potassium in the body, which can occur due to several mechanisms, including reduced intake of potassium-rich foods, increased loss of potassium, and redistribution of potassium. In children, clinical symptoms of hypokalemia may include weakness and fatigue, abdominal discomfort, cardiac symptoms, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, polyuria, and renal symptoms. There are several diseases and conditions that can cause hypokalemia in children, including renal tubular acidosis, prolonged diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, hyperaldosteronism, malnutrition, medication, type 1 Bartter syndrome, type 2 Bartter syndrome, and Liddle syndrome. Some options for hypokalemia treatment are potassium supplements, a potassium-rich diet, intravenous potassium, and treating underlying conditions. In conclusion, hypokalemia is an overview of the underlying disease and requires immediate management. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypokalemia will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and accelerate hypokalemia intervention in children, as well as prevent complications due to hypokalemia.

Serum Potassium and Risk of Death or Kidney Replacement Therapy in Older People With CKD Stages 4-5: Eight-Year Follow-up

Hypokalemia may accelerate kidney function decline. Both hypo- and hyperkalemia can cause sudden cardiac death. However, little is known about the relationship between serum potassium and death or the occurrence of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy (KRT). We investigated this relationship in older people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4-5. Prospective observational cohort study. We followed 1,714 patients (≥65 years old) from the European Quality (EQUAL) study for 8 years from their first estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<20mL/min/1.73m2 measurement. Serum potassium was measured every 3 to 6 months and categorized as≤3.5,>3.5-≤4.0,>4.0-≤4.5,>4.5-≤5.0 (reference),>5.0-≤5.5, >5.5-≤6.0, and>6.0mmol/L. The combined outcome death before KRT or start of KRT. The association between categorical and continuous time-varying potassium and death or KRT start was examined using Cox proportional hazards and restricted cubic spline analyses, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition, eGFR, and subjective global assessment (SGA). At baseline, 66% of participants were men, 42% had diabetes, 47% cardiovascular disease, and 54% used RAAS inhibitors. Their mean age was 76±7 (SD) years, mean eGFR was 17±5 (SD) mL/min/1.73m2, and mean SGA was 6.0±1.0 (SD). Over 8 years, 414 (24%) died before starting KRT, and 595 (35%) started KRT. Adjusted hazard ratios for death or KRT according to the potassium categories were 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1-2.3), 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.7), 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0-1.4), 1 (reference), 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9-1.4), 1.8 (95% CI, 1.4-2.3), and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.3). Hazard ratios were lowest at a potassium of about 4.9mmol/L. Shorter intervals between potassium measurements would have allowed for more precise estimations. We observed a U-shaped relationship between serum potassium and death or KRT start among patients with incident CKD4-5, with a nadir risk at a potassium level of4.9mmol/L. These findings underscore thepotential importance of preventing both high and low potassium in patients with CKD 4-5. Abnormal potassium blood levels may increase the risk of death or kidney function decline, especially in older people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We studied 1,714 patients aged≥65 years with advanced CKD from the European Quality (EQUAL) study and followed them for 8 years. We found that both low and high levels of potassium were associated with an increased risk of death or start of kidney replacement therapy, with the lowest risk observed at a potassium level of 4.9 mmol/L. In patients with CKD, the focus is often on preventing high blood potassium. However, this relatively high optimum potassium level stresses the potential importance of also preventing low potassium levels in older patients with advanced CKD.

A randomized study to compare oral potassium binders in the treatment of acute hyperkalemia

BackgroundThe KBindER (K+ Binders in Emergency Room and hospitalized patients) clinical trial is the first head-to-head evaluation of oral potassium binders (cation-exchange resins) for acute hyperkalemia therapy.MethodsEmergency room and hospitalized patients with a blood potassium level ≥ 5.5 mEq/L are randomized to one of four study groups: potassium binder drug (sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer, or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) or nonspecific laxative (polyethylene glycol). Exclusion criteria include recent bowel surgery, ileus, diabetic ketoacidosis, or anticipated dialysis treatment within 4 h of treatment drug. Primary endpoints include change in potassium level at 2 and 4 h after treatment drug. Length of hospital stay, next-morning potassium level, gastrointestinal side effects and palatability will also be analyzed. We are aiming for a final cohort of 80 patients with complete data endpoints (20 per group) for comparative statistics including multivariate adjustment for kidney function, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, metabolic acidosis, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor prescription, and treatment with other agents to lower potassium (insulin, albuterol, loop diuretics).DiscussionThe findings from our study will inform decision-making guidelines on the role of oral potassium binders in the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04585542. Registered 14 October 2020.

Could the serum glucose/potassium ratio offer an early reliable predictor of life-threatening events in acute methylxanthine intoxication?

Methylxanthines are widely used to manage pulmonary disorders, particularly in developing countries. Methylxanthines are unsafe due to their narrow therapeutic index and associated morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the role of glucose/potassium ratio as a substantially useful early predictor of life-threatening events (LTEs) in the form of cardiovascular and neurological complications among methylxanthine users. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of patients diagnosed with acute methylxanthine intoxications and presented to an Egyptian Poison Control Center for 2 years. A total of 366 patients were enrolled. Of them, 59 patients (16.1%) were complicated with LTEs. The most frequent serious arrhythmia was T wave inversion (45.6% of patients with LTEs). Laboratory investigations that could significantly predict LTEs were the random blood glucose and potassium levels, glucose/potassium ratio, pH, liver transaminases, HCO3 level, hemoglobin, and platelet count (P<0.05). The glucose/potassium ratio was the best predictor of LTEs (odds ratio=2.92, and 95% confidence interval=2.02-4.23). With an excellent area under the curve (0.906) and at a cutoff of 2.44, that ratio could correctly classify the patients based on their risk of LTEs with an overall accuracy of 73% (sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 70%). The current study endorsed an important, feasible, and easily obtainable ratio that could predictor stratify the patients according to severity and risk of LTEs, which guides the decision-making and prioritizes the treatment lines in methylxanthine intoxicated patients.

Comparison of Venous Blood Gas and Biochemical Parameters in Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) and Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) before and after Isoflurane Anesthesia

Venous blood gas analytes are commonly examined in animals, and the results may be important when evaluating the overall health status of an animal. Pangolins are critically endangered mammals, and there is limited information on their physiological reference values in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyze venous blood gas and biochemical parameters before and during isoflurane anesthesia in wild healthy Sunda and Chinese pangolins. The results obtained showed that the blood gas index trends of the two pangolin species before and after isoflurane anesthesia were the same. After anesthesia, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), total carbon dioxide (CO2), mean blood bicarbonate (HCO3-), extracellular fluid compartment (BEecf) base excess and the mean blood glucose (Glu) levels of both pangolin species showed a significant increase compared to the pre-anesthesia period. In contrast, the mean blood potassium (K+), lactate (Lac) and mean blood pH levels were significantly lower. No significant differences in the mean blood sodium (Na+) or blood ionized calcium (iCa) levels were observed during anesthesia. This study is important for future comparisons and understanding the health status of this endangered species.

Clinical Overview and Treatment of Hypokalemia in Pediatric Patients: A Narrative Literature Review

Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium levels are below the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in many physiological processes in the body, including nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, and acid-base balance. This literature review aimed to describe the clinical and current management aspects of hypokalemia in pediatric patients. The pathophysiology of hypokalemia involves a disturbance in the balance of potassium in the body, which can occur due to several mechanisms, including reduced intake of potassium-rich foods, increased loss of potassium, and redistribution of potassium. In children, clinical symptoms of hypokalemia may include weakness and fatigue, abdominal discomfort, cardiac symptoms, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, polyuria, and renal symptoms. There are several diseases and conditions that can cause hypokalemia in children, including renal tubular acidosis, prolonged diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, hyperaldosteronism, malnutrition, medication, type 1 Bartter syndrome, type 2 Bartter syndrome, and Liddle syndrome. Some options for hypokalemia treatment are potassium supplements, a potassium-rich diet, intravenous potassium, and treating underlying conditions. In conclusion, hypokalemia is an overview of the underlying disease and requires immediate management. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypokalemia will increase the accuracy of diagnosis and accelerate hypokalemia intervention in children, as well as prevent complications due to hypokalemia.

Chronic Kidney Disease Detection with Appropriate Diet Plan

Abstract: CKD doesn't have any distinct symptoms, it can be difficult to anticipate and prevent, which may result in long-term health issues. Here, it was intended to reduce diagnostic lead time and boost precision. The major goal of this work is to develop a predictive model for chronic kidney disease using data analysis and several machine learning techniques. Accuracy will be determined by contrasting various algorithms, including SVM, Random forest, and Naive Bayes. Based on information gathered from patient records, the algorithm determines whether a patient has chronic kidney disease and, if so, the severity of the condition based on blood potassium levels and a recommended diet.