Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disturbance usually encountered in hospitalized patients. The underlying etiologies are quite diverse.
When evaluating a patient with hpokalemia you should always have an eye on serum magnesium (Mg ++), as magnesium depletion can be a potential cause.
Magnesium depletion is a frequent cause of kaliuresis. Hypomagnesemia occurs in many conditions, such as digestive disorders: malabsorption syndrome, and diarrhea.
Alcoholism also favors loss of magnesium. In those cases, hypokalemia and the persistent kaliuresis that follows the administration of K + may disappear with the Mg ++ supplement.
The Mg ion is essential for the activity of the Na + - K + ATPase, responsible for the active transport of potassium in the renal tubules.
Its deficit favors intracellular depletion and urinary leakage of potassium.
Depletion of Mg ++ also stimulates the secretion of renin and aldosterone, an additional source of potassium losses; and conversely, aldosterone antagonist spirolactone decreases potassium losses in Mg ++ depleted patients.
When evaluating a patient with hpokalemia you should always have an eye on serum magnesium (Mg ++), as magnesium depletion can be a potential cause.
Magnesium depletion is a frequent cause of kaliuresis. Hypomagnesemia occurs in many conditions, such as digestive disorders: malabsorption syndrome, and diarrhea.
Alcoholism also favors loss of magnesium. In those cases, hypokalemia and the persistent kaliuresis that follows the administration of K + may disappear with the Mg ++ supplement.
The Mg ion is essential for the activity of the Na + - K + ATPase, responsible for the active transport of potassium in the renal tubules.
Its deficit favors intracellular depletion and urinary leakage of potassium.
Depletion of Mg ++ also stimulates the secretion of renin and aldosterone, an additional source of potassium losses; and conversely, aldosterone antagonist spirolactone decreases potassium losses in Mg ++ depleted patients.
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