Elevated Serum Potassium Levels Research Articles

Global use of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in heart failure and reduced, below normal and supranormal ejection fraction.

The global use of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in clinical practice, especially in patients with heart failure and below-normal ejection fraction (HFbnEF), has not been thoroughly evaluated. We aimed to investigate the characteristics, outcomes, and adverse events in patients treated with ARNI for HF with reduced (HFrEF), below-normal (HFbnEF), and supranormal left ventricular EF (HFsnEF). This observational study analyzed data from the electronic healthcare records (EHR) of patients with HF treated with ARNI between 2015 and 2022 in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Based on the left ventricular EF, patients were categorized as HFrEF (< 40%), HFbnEF (40-60%), and HFsnEF (> 60%). Mortality and the incidence of adverse events were investigated. Of the 11,141 patients analyzed, HFrEF, HFbnEF and HFsnEF accounted for 74%, 22%, and 4%, respectively. Patients with a higher EF were more likely to be older, female, and obese. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation were the most common in HFsnEF. Systolic blood pressure was lower and natriuretic peptide levels were higher in the lower EF groups. Mortality was lowest in HFbnEF (7.7 per 100 patient-years follow-up in HFrEF, 5.8 in HFmrEF, and 6.0 in HFsnEF). Similarly, hypotension and acute kidney injury were the least frequent in HFbnEF. Incidence of elevated serum potassium levels was similar between the groups. In this analysis of large-scale EHR, ARNI was mainly used in HFrEF and HFbnEF, consistent with previous randomized trials and pooled analyses. Adverse events were less common in HFbnEF.

A Retrospective Analysis of Patients Presenting with Acute Hyperkalemia in an Emergency Care Setting.

We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with severe hyperkalemia in the emergency department. This retrospective cohort study included adult patients diagnosed with severe hyperkalemia who sought medical care at the emergency department of Aerospace Center Hospital between January 2018 and May 2022. Clinical data, including demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and outcomes, were systematically collected. Patients were categorized into survival and deceased groups based on in-hospital mortality. Comparative analysis between these groups identified significant differences, highlighting key clinically covariates. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine the primary factors influencing patient outcomes. Of 90 patients diagnosed with severe hyperkalemia, 64 were in the survival group, and 26 in the deceased group. Binary logistic regression identified several significant predictors of mortality, including higher APACHE II scores (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, P = 0.02), widened QRS wave on electrocardiogram (ECG) (OR 79.39, P = 0.04), and elevated serum potassium levels (OR 1.3, P = 0.04). In contrast, emergency blood purification was associated with a reduced mortality rate (OR 0.29, P = 0.03). Key risk factors for mortality in patients with severe hyperkalemia include widened QRS wave on ECG, elevated APACHE II score, and high serum potassium level. Timely correction of hyperkalemia through emergency blood purification significantly improves patient outcomes.

Serum Potassium Monitoring UsingAI-Enabled Smartwatch Electrocardiograms.

Hyperkalemia, characterized by elevated serum potassium levels, heightens the risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly increasing risk for individuals with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional laboratory test monitoring is resource-heavy, invasive, and unable to provide continuous tracking. Wearable technologies like smartwatches with electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities are emerging as valuable tools for remote monitoring, potentially allowing for personalized monitoring with artificial intelligence (AI)-ECG interpretation. The purpose of this study was to develop an AI-ECG algorithm to predict serum potassium level in ESRD patients with smartwatch-generated ECG waveforms. A cohort of 152,508 patients with 293,557 ECGs paired serum potassium levels obtained within 1 hour at Cedars Sinai Medical Center was used to train an AI-ECG model ("Kardio-Net") to predict serum potassium level. The model was further fine-tuned on 4,337 ECGs from 1,463 patients with ESRD using inputs from 12- and single-lead ECGs. Kardio-Net was evaluated in held-out test cohorts from Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Stanford Healthcare (SHC) as well as a prospective international cohort of 40 ESRD patients with smartwatch ECGs at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The Kardio-Net, when applied to 12-lead ECGs, identified severe hyperkalemia (>6.5 mEq/L) with an AUC of 0.852 (95%CI: 0.745-0.956) and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.527 mEq/L. In external validation at SHC, the model achieved an AUC of 0.849 (95%CI: 0.823-0.875) and an MAE of 0.599 mEq/L. For single-lead ECGs, Kardio-Net detected severe hyperkalemia with an AUC of 0.876 (95%CI: 0.765-0.987) in the primary cohort and had an MAE of 0.575 mEq/L. In the external SHC validation, the AUC was 0.807 (95%CI: 0.778-0.835) with an MAE of 0.740 mEq/L. Using prospectively obtained smartwatch data, the AUC was 0.831 (95%CI: 0.693-0.975), with an MAE of 0.580 mEq/L. We validate a deep learning model to predict serum potassium levels from both 12-lead ECGs and single-lead smartwatch data, demonstrating its utility for remote monitoring of hyperkalemia.

Factors influencing the efficacy and safety of esaxerenone in hypertensive patients: a pooled analysis of five clinical studies on different comorbidities

This study aimed to identify factors associated with a strong home blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of esaxerenone and the incidence of elevated serum potassium levels in hypertensive patients treated with esaxerenone. A pooled analysis of five multicenter, prospective, open-label single-arm studies was conducted, including 479 patients in the full analysis set (FAS) and 492 patients in the safety analysis set. Multivariate linear regression analysis of morning home systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) changes from baseline to Week 12 in the FAS (primary endpoint) showed that male sex (estimated change 4.37 mmHg), office pulse rate ≥100 beats/min (25.10 mmHg), and calcium channel blocker (CCB) use as a basal antihypertensive agent (4.53 mmHg) were significantly associated with a positive estimated change (weaker BP-lowering effect) in morning home SBP. CCB use (3.70 mmHg) was associated with a positive estimated change in morning home DBP. Urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio 30 to <300 mg/gCr (−4.13 mmHg) was significantly associated with a negative estimated change (stronger BP-lowering effect) in morning home SBP. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated baseline serum potassium level (≥4.5 vs < 4.5 mEq/L, odds ratio 13.502) was significantly associated with a high incidence of serum potassium level ≥5.5 mEq/L after esaxerenone treatment. In conclusion, factors associated with a strong BP-lowering effect of esaxerenone were female sex and use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors as a basal antihypertensive drug. Patients with baseline serum potassium levels ≥4.5 mEq/L had an increased risk of developing elevated serum potassium levels (≥5.5 mEq/L) after esaxerenone treatment.

Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Hyperkalemia: A Retrospective Study in an Emergency Department in Colombia.

Hyperkalemia is a prevalent electrolyte disorder related to elevated serum potassium levels, resulting in diverse abnormal electrocardiographic findings and associated clinical signs and symptoms, often necessitating specific treatment. However, in some patients, these abnormal findings may not be present on the electrocardiogram even in elevated serum potassium levels. This study aims to identify electrocardiographic abnormalities related to the severity of hyperkalemia and the clinical outcomes in an emergency department in southwestern Colombia. This is a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study. We described the electrocardiographic findings, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes related to the degrees of hyperkalemia. The potential association between the severity of hyperkalemia and electrocardiographic findings was evaluated. A total of 494 patients were included. The median of the potassium level was 6.6 mEq/L. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings were reported in 61.5% of the cases. Mild and severe hyperkalemia groups reported abnormalities in 59.9% and 61.2%, respectively. The most common electrocardiography abnormalities were the peaked T wave 36.2%, followed by wide QRS 83 (16.8%). Only 1.4% of patients had adverse outcomes. The abnormal findings were registered in 61.5%. Mortality was 11.9%. The peaked T wave was the most common finding across different levels of hyperkalemia severity. High serum potassium levels are related with abnormal ECG. However, patients with different degrees of hyperkalemia could not describe abnormal ECG findings. In a high proportion of patients with renal chronic disease and hyperkalemia, the abnormalities in the ECG could be minimal or absent.

Unexpected Hyperkalemia During Kawasaki Disease

Pseudohyperkalemia is defined as a markedly elevated serum potassium level with a normal plasma potassium concentration. It is mainly caused by leucocytosis and thrombocytosis. Here we report an infant treated with aspirin for Kawasaki disease who developed hyperkalemia during follow-up. He was finally diagnosed with pseudohyperkalemia based on a normal whole blood potassium level measured with a blood gas analyser.

Serum Potassium in Thyroid Cancer Patients With Hypothyroidism During Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal: A Retrospective Study.

Several case reports and a few studies have reported that hypothyroid patients have elevated serum potassium levels. However, hypothyroidism has not been widely accepted as a cause of hyperkalemia. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of hyperkalemia and factors influencing serum potassium levels in thyroid cancer patients with hypothyroidism during thyroid hormone withdrawal before radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records from January 2017 to June 2021, involving 956 thyroid cancer patients post-thyroidectomy and undergoing RAI. Laboratory parameters, including serum potassium levels, were collected in both euthyroid (<1 year prior to RAI) and hypothyroid states. Among 508 patients (mean age 52 years, 79.3% female), hyperkalemia (potassium ⩾ 5.0 mEq/L) occurred in 2.8%, without severe hyperkalemia (potassium ⩾ 6.5 mEq/L). The hypothyroid state exhibited significantly higher serum potassium than the euthyroid state [4.16 (IQR, 3.94-4.41) vs 4.10 (IQR, 3.90-4.35) mEq/L, P < .01]. The mean change in potassium levels between the euthyroid and hypothyroid state was 0.05 ± 0.17 mEq/L. Pre-thyroid hormone withdrawal (euthyroid state) factors associated with serum potassium levels in the hypothyroid state included age, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diabetes mellitus, serum BUN/creatinine, serum potassium levels, hemoglobin A1c (positive correlation); and thiazide use and eGFR (negative correlation). In the hypothyroid state, hyperkalemia was more likely in patients with serum potassium ⩾4.2 mEq/L (OR 9.36, P < .01) or free T4 ⩾1.38 ng/dL (OR 7.05, P < .01) during the euthyroid state. The incidence of hyperkalemia was low in our hypothyroid cohorts. However, physicians should remain vigilant for cases with risk factors for developing hyperkalemia.

Parameters of Complete Blood Count and Blood Chemistry during Treatment of Patients with MDR/XDR Pulmonary Tuberculosis with a Short-Course Regimen Containing Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid

The objective: assessment of changes in the parameters of complete blood count, clinical urine tests, and blood chemistry during chemotherapy of patients with MDR/XDR pulmonary tuberculosis receiving the short-course regimen containing bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid (B-Pa-L).Subjects and Methods. 18 patients with MDR/pre-XDR/XDR pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled into the study. They all received treatment at Central Tuberculosis Research Institute from 2015 to 2022.Results. In the course of chemotherapy of these patients, changes in laboratory test results were noted at different times. Abnormal changes in complete blood count were detected in 10/18 (55,6%) patients during chemotherapy for the 1st time. Hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts decreased. Hematuria and bacteriuria were detected by clinical urine test. Proteinuria was observed in almost in half of the patients. Elevated serum potassium level was frequently noted. Blood chemistry demonstrated elevated levels of ALT and AST, which is typical of cytolytic effect on hepatocytes of drugs within chemotherapy. In most cases, all above abnormalities were degree 1 of toxicity and resolved within 2-4 weeks after they were detected. Abnormalities in grade 2-3 of toxicity were mainly observed in patients receiving linezolid at the dose of 1200 mg/day. In most cases, the above abnormalities were detected during the first 4 weeks of chemotherapy.

Efficacy and safety assessment of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThe objective of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and determine the optimal MRA treatment regimen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to June 20, 2022. The composite kidney outcome, cardiovascular events, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), serum potassium, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), creatine and creatine clearance were included for analysis. We conducted pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMA) and calculated the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). ResultsWe included 26 studies with 15,531 participants. By pairwise meta-analyses, we found that MRA treatment could significantly reduce UACR in CKD patients with or without diabetes. Notably, compared to placebo, Finerenone was associated with a lower risk of composite kidney outcome and cardiovascular events. Data from NMA demonstrated an overt UACR reduction without increasing serum potassium by Apararenone, Esaxerenone, and Finerenone in CKD patients. Spironolactone decreased SBP and DBP but elevated CKD patients' serum potassium. ConclusionsCompared to placebo, Apararenone, Esaxerenone, and Finerenone might ameliorate albuminuria in CKD patients without causing elevated serum potassium levels. Remarkably, Finerenone conferred a cardiovascular benefit, and Spironolactone lowered blood pressure in CKD patients.

The characteristics and costs of severe theophylline toxicity in a tertiary critical care unit in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Severe theophylline toxicityrequiring haemodialysisaccounts for approximately one-third of drug toxicity cases admittedto theLivingstone Tertiary Hospital (LTH) intensive care unit (ICU) in Gqeberha, South Africa, imposing a significant resource burden. To investigate the characteristics and burden of severe theophylline toxicity in an Eastern Cape Province tertiaryhospital adult ICU. A retrospective review of all severe theophylline toxicity admissions to the ICU from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were captured and analysed. The National Department of Health 2019 fees schedule was used to calculate costs based on duration of ICU stay and number of haemodialysis sessions received. Of the 57 patients included in the study, 84% were cases of deliberate self-harm. The majority were aged <40 years (77%) and female (79%). The mean (standard deviation (SD)) initial serum theophylline level was 612 (269) µmol/L. Complications included convulsions (n=12; 21%), arrhythmias (n=9; 16%), need for mechanical ventilation (n=7; 12%) and death (n=4; 7%). The main risk factors for these complications were age ≥30 years, an inappropriately normal or elevated initial serum potassium level, an elevated serum creatinine kinase level and an elevated initial serum theophylline level. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis assessing the initial serum theophylline level as a discriminator for life-threatening complications produced an area under the curve of 0.71 for serum theophylline >400 µmol/L (sensitivity 88%, specificity 12%). All the 4 patients who died had an initial serum theophylline level >1 000 µmol/L. The mean (SD) cost per admission amounted to ZAR16 897 (10 718), with a mean of one 4-hour dialysis session per admission. Severe theophylline toxicity, usually in the context of deliberate self-harm, is a preventable yet life-threatening toxicity encountered at LTH. Demographic risk factors include young females from certain areas in and around Gqeberha. Risk factors for complications include olderage, paradoxically normal or elevatedserumpotassiumlevels, elevatedserumcreatinine kinaselevelsandan initial serum theophylline level >400 µmol/L.Patients with these clinical features should be closely monitored and treated timeously at an appropriate level of care.The need for ICU admission and dialysis, both limited resources, makes the treatment of severe theophylline toxicity costly. Further studies of the underlying psychosocial drivers, local prescribing practicesand preventive interventionsrelated to severe theophylline toxicityare required.

Dealing With Failure.

Dealing With Failure.

Lithium-induced nephropathy; One medication with multiple side effects: a case report

BackgroundLithium carbonate is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. A spectrum of side effects is associated with lithium, including nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal tubular acidosis, chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy, and minimal change disease. Although the former three adverse effects are well-known, minimal change disease is relatively rare.Case presentationWe herein report a case of lithium therapy-induced minimal change disease with concurrent chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. A 66-year old man with bipolar disorder treated by lithium for 20 years, presented to the hospital with anasarca and decreased urine output for 4 weeks. The medical history also included hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Further laboratory investigation revealed elevated serum lithium (2.17 mmol/L), potassium (6.0 mmol/L), and creatinine levels (2.92 mg/dL), nephrotic range proteinuria, and hypoalbuminemia. Lithium was discontinued and the patient was treated with intravenous fluids. He underwent a kidney biopsy, which showed findings consistent with minimal change disease with concurrent acute tubular injury and chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. The patient was subsequently treated with steroids in an outpatient setting. He did not respond to the treatment, and hemodialysis was started.ConclusionBased on the previously reported cases and review of literature, occurrence of lithium-associated minimal change nephropathy is rare. Patients with lithium-associated minimal change disease and acute tubular injury usually respond to discontinuation of lithium therapy and/or steroid treatment. In this case, minimal change nephropathy was steroid-resistant and kidney function of the patient reported here did not recover after 6-month follow-up. We postulated the underlying cause to be minimal change disease with chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy due to long-term lithium use. This case provides an example of a rare side effect of lithium-induced minimal change nephropathy with chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy in addition to its well-known complication of interstitial nephritis or diabetes insipidus. In our opinion, these patients likely have much worse clinical outcome.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with Acute Kidney Injury and Acute Kidney Injury on Chronic Kidney Disease.

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan in December 2019 and soon became a worldwide pandemic. We collected and analyzed the data from 1077 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the west campus of Wuhan Union Hospital from January 16 to April 16, 2020. Sixty (5.6%) of the 1077 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization, and 18 of them (30%) had AKI on chronic kidney disease (AKI/CKD). COVID-19 patients with AKI had a worse prognosis, with higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission (28.3%) and fatality (65%) rates than patients without AKI (3.4% and 10.7%, respectively). Among the COVID-19 patients, AKI was more likely to occur in male patients, the elderly, patients with more severe disease states and those with comorbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and CKD). COVID-19 patients with AKI were more likely to develop respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute liver injury, acute myocardial injury, heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cerebrovascular accident, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) than those without AKI. Compared with patients without AKI, COVID-19 patients with AKI had lower platelet counts, lymphocyte counts, albumin levels and serum calcium levels but had elevated leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts and serum potassium levels. Inflammatory indicators, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT), were significantly higher in patients with AKI than in those without AKI. COVID-19 patients with AKI also exhibited a longer prothrombin time (PT), a longer activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and a higher D-dimer level than those without AKI. Survival analysis revealed that COVID-19 patients with AKI had a reduced survival rate compared with those without AKI. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients with AKI/CKD had a lower survival rate than those with AKI or CKD only. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the predictors of AKI in COVID-19 patients included complications, such as respiratory failure and acute myocardial injury, and higher creatinine and PCT levels during hospitalization.

Reverse pseudohyperkalemia in a newly diagnosed pediatric patient with acute T-cell leukemia and hyperleukocytosis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundHyperkalemia is a serious medical condition that requires immediate intervention. However, pseudohyperkalemia and reverse pseudohyperkalemia are misleading clinical manifestations that can result in incorrect diagnosis and consequent harmful intervention.Case presentationAn 11-year-old girl manifested an incidental finding of hyperleukocytosis (WBC > 400 × 109/L), with 90% blast cells during routine pre-operative investigations for adenotonsillectomy. Initial investigations demonstrated elevated serum potassium levels (7.5 mmol/L), despite concomitantly normal levels in venous blood gas samples (3.9–4.4 mmol/L) and being clinically stable with normal 12-lead ECG. Surprisingly, plasma potassium level was exacerbated, in comparison to the serum level by > 1 mmol/L. This finding is consistent with reverse pseudohyperkalemia that is associated with hyperleukocytosis in acute leukemia that does not require any active intervention.ConclusionThis case report emphasizes the significance of interpreting potassium levels accurately, preferably utilizing whole-blood potassium level over serum and plasma level in newly diagnosed leukemia cases with hyperleukocytosis. Additionally, having a high index for the possibility of reverse pseudohyperkalemia, secondary to leakage from fragile leukocytes, avoids unnecessary treatment that might cause harm to the patient.

Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Atrial Flutter Ablation With Ramipril (from the PREFACE Study)

The clinical efficacy of the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as an upstream therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention is controversial. No study has itemized so far the role of RAAS inhibitors in AF prevention after atrial flutter (AFL) ablation. This trial aims to investigate the effect of ramipril compared with placebo on AF occurrence in patients hospitalized for AFL ablation without structural heart disease. The Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation by Inhibition Conversion Enzyme (ICE) After Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Flutter (PREFACE) trial was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial depicting the AF occurrence during a 12-month follow-up as the primary end point. A total of 198 patients hospitalized for AFL ablation were enrolled in the trial and randomized to placebo or ramipril 5mg/day. Patients were followed up during 1year after AFL ablation using 1-week Holter electrocardiogram at 3, 6, 9, and 12months. The intention-to-treat population encompassed 97 patients in the ramipril group and 101 patients in the placebo group. The primary end point, such as AF occurrence during the 1-year follow-up, was not different between the 2 groups (p = 0.96). Secondary end points, including the occurrence of supraventricular arrhythmia (p = 0.50), heart failure, stroke, and death, were not different between the 2 groups. Safety outcome parameters, including serious adverse events leading to treatment disruption (p = 0.10), hypotension, impairment of renal function, and elevated serum potassium level, also were not different between the 2 groups. In conclusion, RAAS inhibition using ramipril does not reduce AF occurrence in patients facing AFL ablation during the 1-year follow-up.

Pseudohyperkalaemia in essential thrombocytosis: an important clinical reminder.

SummaryAn 82-year-old female was admitted to a general hospital due to progressive bilateral lower limb weakness. A T8–T9 extramedullary meningioma was diagnosed by MRI, and the patient was referred for excision of the tumour. During the patient’s admission, she was noted to have persistent hyperkalaemia which was refractory to treatment. Following a review by an endocrinology team, a diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia secondary to thrombocytosis was made. This case demonstrates the importance of promptly identifying patients who are susceptible to pseudohyperkalaemia, in order to prevent its potentially serious consequences.Learning pointsPseudohyperkalaemia should be considered in patients with unexplained or asymptomatic hyperkalaemia. It should also be considered in those patients who are resistant to the classical treatment of hyperkalaemia.A diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia is considered when there is a difference of >0.4 mmol/L of potassium between serum and plasma potassium in the absence of symptoms and ECG changes.In patients who are presenting with consistently elevated serum potassium levels, it may be beneficial to take venous blood gas and/ or plasma potassium levels to rule out pseudohyperkalaemia.Pseudohyperkalaemia may subject patients to iatrogenic hypokalaemia which can be potentially fatal.Pseudohyperkalaemia can occur secondary to thrombocytosis, red cell haemolysis due to improper blood letting techniques, leukaemia and lymphoma.

Hypokalemia-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Caused by Adrenal Tumor-Related Primary Aldosteronism: A Report of 2 Cases

Case seriesPatients: Male, 53-year-old • Male, 46-year-oldFinal Diagnosis: Primary aldosteronismSymptoms: Myalgia • weaknessMedication: —Clinical Procedure: AdrenalectomySpecialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic • UrologyObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Primary aldosteronism, also known as Conn’s syndrome, is a clinical condition caused by excessive production of aldosterone. The classic presenting signs of primary aldosteronism are hypertension and hypokalemia. However, rhabdomyolysis induced by severe hypokalemia is a rare manifestation of primary aldosteronism. There were only a few cases presented in the English literature over the last 4 decades.Case Report:We present 2 cases, a 53-year-old man and a 46-year-old man, with severe hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis caused by adrenal tumor-related primary aldosteronism. Both of these patients were under medical treatment with oral anti-hypertension drug for hypertension, but were poorly controlled. They both presented to the Emergency Department with muscle weakness and pain. Laboratory testing showed elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and low serum potassium levels. Hypokalemia-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected. A further endocrine survey showed low PRA (plasma renin activity) and high aldosterone levels, finding which are compatible with primary aldosteronism. Computed tomography (CT) was arranged for further evaluation, and adrenal tumors were found in both cases. Both patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenal-ectomy. In both cases, there was no recurrence of hypokalemia without potassium supplementation, and their hypertension was under better control at further follow-up visits.Conclusions:Hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis is a rare manifestation of primary aldosteronism. It might be difficult to making a diagnosis when rhabdomyolysis and severe hypokalemia are the first manifestations in patients with primary aldosteronism. The use of diuretics for hypertension treatment might be a risk factor for extremely low potassium levels, which can induce rhabdomyolysis in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Early Post-transplant Renal Functions Predict Incidence of Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplantation

Objectives: After renal transplantation, a remarkable improvement of impaired patient’s kidney function is often observed. Preserving improved kidney function ensures long-term renal allograft survival. However, there are different risk factors; the acute rejection is the major risk factor. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine renal function within the first six months as independent variables in predicting long-term survival and incidence of acute rejection.&#x0D; Methods: Fifty-three patients who underwent kidney transplantation in 2016 and 2017 in King Abdulaziz Medical City- National Guard were evaluated consecutively1 and 2-month pre-transplant up to six months’ post-transplant. Time course of changes in kidney functions; measurements of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), albumin, calcium, sodium and potassium were recorded. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and anion gap (AGAP) were also reported. In addition, age, anthropometric factors and causes of ESRD were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Lower level of calcium was observed in 40% of patient’s two-month pre-transplantation and 69% of patients one month before. Normalization of calcium was achieved in all patients starting from second month post-transplantation. All patients presented elevated serum potassium level in pre-transplant months, however, renal transplant normalize potassium level starting from first month. A remarkable higher level of serum BUN was observed in all pre-transplant patients followed by dramatically decreased after renal transplant for first four months and remain in normal level starting from month 5. Likewise, serum creatinine was highly elevated in all pre-transplant patients. A profound reduction in serum creatinine started from month 1 post-transplant and normalizes at month 4. Moreover, both eGFR and AGAP were kept in normal level immediately after renal transplantation. All patients with early acute rejection during mean follow-up period have a remarkable elevated level of serum creatinine and profound decrease in eGFR starting from first month. While a significant higher level of serum BUN observed in fifth month only and serum albumin in third month.&#x0D; Conclusion: Significant elevation of serum creatinine and reduction in eGFR starting from first month were associated with post-transplanted patients with early acute rejection. The clinical use of eGFR and serum creatinine may aid in predicting incidence of early acute rejection.

Rapid correction of hyperkalemia is associated with reduced mortality in ED patients

BackgroundHyperkalemia (HK) is common and associated with mortality. Our purpose was to determine if the rapid correction of elevated serum potassium level (K+) was associated with reduced mortality in emergency department (ED) patients. MethodsDesign: We reviewed the electronic medical records (EMR) of ED patients with HK (K+ ≥ 5.5 mEq/L) from 10/2016–10/2017. Setting: Large, academic ED. Participants: Adult ED patients presenting with hyperkalemia. Main outcomes and measures: The main outcome was in-hospital mortality. We compared outcomes of patients whose K+ normalized (dropped below 5.5 mEq/L) with those whose K+ did not normalize using chi-square and multivariate analyses to determine the associations between predictor variables and outcomes. ResultsFrom 114,977 ED visits, 1033 patients (0.9%, 95%CI 0.85–0.95%) had HK. Their mean (SD) age was 60 (26) years and 58% were male. Of these, 884 had a second K+ measured within a median (IQR) of 5 (3–8) hours. Mortality and admission rates were higher in patients with HK vs. those with normal K+ (8.5% vs. 0.8%, P < 0.001 and 80% vs. 39%, P < 0.001, respectively). Mortality was lower in patients whose HK normalized compared with those whose K+ remained elevated (6.3% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, creatinine, comorbidities, and initial K+, normalization of K+ was associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.80). ConclusionsNormalization of K+ during the ED stay in patients with HK is associated with a 50% mortality reduction. Efforts to rapidly identify and treat HK in the ED are needed.

Potassium-lowering agents for the treatment of nonemergent hyperkalemia: pharmacology, dosing and comparative efficacy.

Hyperkalemia represents a common and potentially life-threating electrolyte abnormality, a complication frequently observed in patients with heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes or in those receiving drug therapies influencing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Elevated serum potassium levels are often the result of impaired urinary potassium elimination, inadequate or reduced cellular potassium uptake, severe heart failure, use of medications influencing potassium levels in the circulation, or, more commonly, a combination of these factors. Strategies for the treatment of nonemergent hyperkalemia include the use of cation-exchange resins, polymers or other novel mechanisms of potassium trapping, including sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. These agents differ in their pharmacology and mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, including onset and extent of potassium-lowering effect, dosage and administration, and potential safety and adverse effect profiles. In this review, an evaluation of these characteristics, including clinical evidence and safety concerns, in the management of nonemergent hyperkalemia will be explored.