HYPERKALEMIA
APPROACH & MANAGEMENT
Dr. RAVIRAJ
PHYSIOLOGY
 Potassium is a major intracellular cation
 Total body K+ content in a normal adult -3000-
4000mEq
 98% Intracellular , 2% in ECF
 Normal homeostatic mechanisms maintain the
serum K level within a narrow range (3.5-5.0
mEq/L).
 The primary mechanisms maintaining this balance
are the buffering of ECF potassium against a large
ICF potassium pool (via the Na-K pump)
 Na-K ATPase pump actively transports Na+ out of
the cell and K+ into the cell in a 3:2 ratio
 Renal excretion – Major route of excess K+
elimination
 Approx 90% of K+ excretion occurs in the urine,
 less than 10% excreted through sweat or stool.
 Within the kidneys, K+ excretion occurs mostly in
the principal cells of the cortical collecting duct
(CCD).
 Urinary K+ excretion depends on :
1. luminal Na+ delivery to the DCT and the CCD,
2. effect of Aldosterone and other adrenal
corticosteroids with mineralocorticoid activity.
Factor Effect on Plasma K+ Mechanism
Aldosterone Decrease
Increases sodium
resorption, and increases
K+ excretion
Insulin Decrease
Stimulates K+ entry into
cells by increasing sodium
efflux (energy-dependent
process)
Beta-adrenergic agents Decrease
Increases skeletal muscle
uptake of K+
Alpha-adrenergic agents Increase Impairs cellular K+ uptake
Acidosis (decreased pH) Increase Impairs cellular K+ uptake
Alkalosis (increased pH) Decrease
Enhances cellular K+
uptake
Cell damage Increase Intracellular K+ release
Succinylcholine Increase
Cell membrane
HYPERKALEMIA
 Defined as a plasma potassium level of >5.5
mEq/L
 Causes of Hyperkalemia
I. Pseudohyperkalemia
 Artifactual increase in K+- Venepuncture, clenching
 Cellular efflux; thrombocytosis, erythrocytosis,
leukocytosis,
 in vitro hemolysis
Hereditary defects in red cell membrane
II. Intra- to extracellular shift
 Acidosis – Uptake of H+, efflux of K+
NAGMA
 Hyperosmolality; hypertonic dextrose, mannitol,
- Solvent Drag effect
 β2-Adrenergic antagonists (noncardioselective
agents)
Suppresses catecholamine stimulated renin release- in turn
aldosterone synthesis
 Digoxin and related glycosides (yellow oleander,
 Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis- Episodic attack of
muscle weakness asso with Hyper k+. Na Muscle
channelopathy
 Lysine, arginine, and ε-aminocaproic acid
(structurally similar, positively charged)
 Succinylcholine; depolarises Muscle cells, Efflux
of K+ through AChRs . Contraindicated in thermal
trauma, neuromuscular injury, disuse atrophy, mucositis, or
prolonged immobilization- upregulated AChRs
 Rapid tumor lysis / Rhabdomyolysis
 III. Inadequate excretion
 A. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone axis;
(↑ risk of hyperkalemia when these drugs are
used in
combination)
 Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
 Renin inhibitors; aliskiren
(in combination with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin
receptor blockers [ARBs])
 Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
 Blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor:
- spironolactone, eplerenone,
 Blockade of the epithelial sodium channel
(ENaC): amiloride, triamterene, trimethoprim,
pentamidine, nafamostat
B. Decreased distal delivery
 Congestive heart failure
 Volume depletion
C. Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism
 Tubulointerstitial diseases:
SLE, sickle cell anemia, obstructive uropathy
 Diabetes, diabetic nephropathy
 Drugs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors, β-
blockers, cyclosporine, tacrolimus
 Chronic kidney disease, advanced age
 Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II: defects in
WNK1 or WNK4 kinases, Kelch-like 3 (KLHL3), or
Cullin 3 (CUL3)
In The above said conditions –most Pt will be
volume expanded- secondary increse in circulating
ANP that inhibit both Renal renin release and
adrenal aldosterone release
D. Renal resistance to mineralocorticoid
 Tubulointerstitial diseases:
SLE, amyloidosis, sickle cell anemia, obstructive
uropathy, post–acute tubular necrosis
 Hereditary:
pseudohypoaldosteronism type I; defects in the
mineralocorticoid receptor or the epithelial sodium
channel (ENaC)
E. Advanced renal insufficiency
 Chronic kidney disease
 End-stage renal disease
 Acute oliguric kidney injury
F. Primary adrenal insufficiency
 Autoimmune: Addison’s disease, polyglandular
endocrinopathy
 Infectious: HIV, cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis,
disseminated fungal infection
 Infiltrative: amyloidosis, malignancy, metastatic cancer
 Drug-associated: heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin
 Hereditary: adrenal hypoplasia congenita, congenital lipoid
adrenal hyperplasia, aldosterone synthase deficiency
 Adrenal hemorrhage or infarction, including in
antiphospholipid syndrome
 Clinical Features
 Most of Hyperkalemic individuals are asymptomatic.
 If present - symptoms are nonspecific and
predominantly related to muscular or cardiac functions.
 The most common - weakness and fatigue.
 Occasionally, frank muscle paralysis or shortness of
breath.
 Patients also may complain of palpitations or chest pain.
 Arrythmias occur- Sinus Brady, Sinus arrest, VT, VF, Asystole
 Patients may report nausea, vomiting, and paresthesias
 ECG Changes
 ECG findings generally correlate with the
potassium level,
 Potentially life-threatening arrhythmias - occur
without warning at almost any level of
hyperkalemia.
 In patients with organic heart disease and an
abnormal baseline ECG, bradycardia may be the
only new ECG abnormality.
 K+ 5.5-6.5 mEq/L - Early changes include tall,
peaked T waves with a narrow base, best seen in
precordial leads;
 shortened QT interval; and
 ST-segment depression.
 K+ level of 6.5-8.0 mEq/L,
 in addition to peaked T waves,
 Widening of the QRS
 Prolonged PR interval
 Decreased or disappearing P wave
 Amplified R wave
• Tall, symmetrically peaked T waves. This patient had a serum K+ of 7.0.
 K+ level higher than 8.0 mEq/L,
 The ECG shows absence of P wave,
 progressive QRS widening, and
 intraventricular/fascicular/bundle-branch blocks.
 The progressively widened QRS eventually merges
with the T wave, forming a sine wave pattern.
 Ventricular fibrillation or asystole follows.
Sine wave appearance with severe hyperkalaemia (K+ 9.9 mEq/L).
DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH TO
HYPERKALEMIA
 Tests In Evaluation of Hyperkalemia
 RFT
 Serum Electrolytes- including Mg, Ca
 Urine potassium, sodium, and osmolality
 Complete blood count (CBC)
 Metabolic profile
 ECG
Trans-tubular potassium gradient (TTKG)
 TTKG is an index reflecting the conservation of
potassium in the cortical collecting ducts (CCD) of
the kidneys.
 It is useful in diagnosing the causes of
hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
 TTKG estimates the ratio of potassium in the lumen
of the CCD to that in the peritubular capillaries.
 TTKG= Urine K/ Serum K x serum Osm/Urine
osm
TREATMENT
 3 main approaches to the treatment of
hyperkalemia :
 ●Antagonizing the membrane effects of potassium
with calcium
 ●Driving extracellular potassium into the cells
 ●Removing excess potassium from the body
 ECG manifestations of hyperkalemia- a medical
emergency and treated urgently.
 Patients with significant hyperkalemia (K+≥6.5 mM) in
the absence of ECG changes should also be
aggressively managed
 Immediate antagonism of the cardiac
effects of hyperkalemia
 IV calcium serves to protect the heart,
 recommended dose is 10 mL of 10% calcium
gluconate, infused intravenously over 2–3 min with
cardiac monitoring.
 Rapid reduction in plasma K+
concentration by redistribution into cells.
 Insulin lowers plasma K+ concentration by shifting
K+ into cells - GI Bolus
 β2-agonists, most commonly albuterol, are
effective but underused agents for the acute
management of hyperkalemia.
 – Salbutamol Nebulisations
 Removal of potassium.
 use of cation exchange resins, Diuretics, and/or
Hemodialysis.
 Cation Exchange Resins
 sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) exchanges Na+ for
K+in the gastrointestinal tract and increases the fecal
excretion of K+
 Dose of SPS is 15–30 g of powder, almost always
given in a premade suspension with 33% sorbitol.
 The effect of SPS on plasma K+ concentration is slow;
the full effect may take up to 24 h and usually requires
repeated doses every 4–6 h.
 Therapy with intravenous saline may be beneficial
in hypovolemic patients with oliguria and decreased
distal delivery of Na+, with the associated
reductions in renal K+ excretion.
 Loop and Thiazide diuretics can be used to
reduce plasma K+ concentration in volume-replete
or hypervolemic patients with sufficient renal
function
 usually combined with iv saline or isotonic
bicarbonate to achieve or maintain euvolemia
 Sodium Bicarbonate may be given for the
treatment of significant metabolic acidosis .
 Reversible causes of impaired renal function asso
with hyperkalemia.
 Includes hypovolemia, NSAIDs, urinary tract
obstruction, and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system (RAAS), which can also directly
cause hyperkalemia
 RX- Removal of offending agent & Hydration
 Hemodialysis is the most effective and reliable
method to reduce plasma K+ .
 The amount of K+ removed during hemodialysis
depends on
 The relative distribution of K+ between ICF and
ECF
 The type and surface area of the dialyzer used,
 dialysate and blood flow rates,
 dialysate flow rate, dialysis duration, and the
plasma-to- dialysate K+ gradient.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia

  • 1.
  • 2.
    PHYSIOLOGY  Potassium isa major intracellular cation  Total body K+ content in a normal adult -3000- 4000mEq  98% Intracellular , 2% in ECF  Normal homeostatic mechanisms maintain the serum K level within a narrow range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L).
  • 3.
     The primarymechanisms maintaining this balance are the buffering of ECF potassium against a large ICF potassium pool (via the Na-K pump)  Na-K ATPase pump actively transports Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell in a 3:2 ratio  Renal excretion – Major route of excess K+ elimination  Approx 90% of K+ excretion occurs in the urine,  less than 10% excreted through sweat or stool.
  • 4.
     Within thekidneys, K+ excretion occurs mostly in the principal cells of the cortical collecting duct (CCD).  Urinary K+ excretion depends on : 1. luminal Na+ delivery to the DCT and the CCD, 2. effect of Aldosterone and other adrenal corticosteroids with mineralocorticoid activity.
  • 6.
    Factor Effect onPlasma K+ Mechanism Aldosterone Decrease Increases sodium resorption, and increases K+ excretion Insulin Decrease Stimulates K+ entry into cells by increasing sodium efflux (energy-dependent process) Beta-adrenergic agents Decrease Increases skeletal muscle uptake of K+ Alpha-adrenergic agents Increase Impairs cellular K+ uptake Acidosis (decreased pH) Increase Impairs cellular K+ uptake Alkalosis (increased pH) Decrease Enhances cellular K+ uptake Cell damage Increase Intracellular K+ release Succinylcholine Increase Cell membrane
  • 7.
    HYPERKALEMIA  Defined asa plasma potassium level of >5.5 mEq/L  Causes of Hyperkalemia I. Pseudohyperkalemia  Artifactual increase in K+- Venepuncture, clenching  Cellular efflux; thrombocytosis, erythrocytosis, leukocytosis,  in vitro hemolysis Hereditary defects in red cell membrane
  • 8.
    II. Intra- toextracellular shift  Acidosis – Uptake of H+, efflux of K+ NAGMA  Hyperosmolality; hypertonic dextrose, mannitol, - Solvent Drag effect  β2-Adrenergic antagonists (noncardioselective agents) Suppresses catecholamine stimulated renin release- in turn aldosterone synthesis  Digoxin and related glycosides (yellow oleander,
  • 9.
     Hyperkalemic periodicparalysis- Episodic attack of muscle weakness asso with Hyper k+. Na Muscle channelopathy  Lysine, arginine, and ε-aminocaproic acid (structurally similar, positively charged)  Succinylcholine; depolarises Muscle cells, Efflux of K+ through AChRs . Contraindicated in thermal trauma, neuromuscular injury, disuse atrophy, mucositis, or prolonged immobilization- upregulated AChRs  Rapid tumor lysis / Rhabdomyolysis
  • 10.
     III. Inadequateexcretion  A. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone axis; (↑ risk of hyperkalemia when these drugs are used in combination)  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors  Renin inhibitors; aliskiren (in combination with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs])
  • 11.
     Angiotensin receptorblockers (ARBs)  Blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor: - spironolactone, eplerenone,  Blockade of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC): amiloride, triamterene, trimethoprim, pentamidine, nafamostat B. Decreased distal delivery  Congestive heart failure  Volume depletion
  • 12.
    C. Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism Tubulointerstitial diseases: SLE, sickle cell anemia, obstructive uropathy  Diabetes, diabetic nephropathy  Drugs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors, β- blockers, cyclosporine, tacrolimus
  • 13.
     Chronic kidneydisease, advanced age  Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II: defects in WNK1 or WNK4 kinases, Kelch-like 3 (KLHL3), or Cullin 3 (CUL3) In The above said conditions –most Pt will be volume expanded- secondary increse in circulating ANP that inhibit both Renal renin release and adrenal aldosterone release
  • 14.
    D. Renal resistanceto mineralocorticoid  Tubulointerstitial diseases: SLE, amyloidosis, sickle cell anemia, obstructive uropathy, post–acute tubular necrosis  Hereditary: pseudohypoaldosteronism type I; defects in the mineralocorticoid receptor or the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) E. Advanced renal insufficiency  Chronic kidney disease  End-stage renal disease  Acute oliguric kidney injury
  • 15.
    F. Primary adrenalinsufficiency  Autoimmune: Addison’s disease, polyglandular endocrinopathy  Infectious: HIV, cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, disseminated fungal infection  Infiltrative: amyloidosis, malignancy, metastatic cancer  Drug-associated: heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin  Hereditary: adrenal hypoplasia congenita, congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, aldosterone synthase deficiency  Adrenal hemorrhage or infarction, including in antiphospholipid syndrome
  • 16.
     Clinical Features Most of Hyperkalemic individuals are asymptomatic.  If present - symptoms are nonspecific and predominantly related to muscular or cardiac functions.  The most common - weakness and fatigue.  Occasionally, frank muscle paralysis or shortness of breath.  Patients also may complain of palpitations or chest pain.  Arrythmias occur- Sinus Brady, Sinus arrest, VT, VF, Asystole  Patients may report nausea, vomiting, and paresthesias
  • 17.
     ECG Changes ECG findings generally correlate with the potassium level,  Potentially life-threatening arrhythmias - occur without warning at almost any level of hyperkalemia.  In patients with organic heart disease and an abnormal baseline ECG, bradycardia may be the only new ECG abnormality.
  • 18.
     K+ 5.5-6.5mEq/L - Early changes include tall, peaked T waves with a narrow base, best seen in precordial leads;  shortened QT interval; and  ST-segment depression.  K+ level of 6.5-8.0 mEq/L,  in addition to peaked T waves,  Widening of the QRS  Prolonged PR interval  Decreased or disappearing P wave  Amplified R wave
  • 19.
    • Tall, symmetricallypeaked T waves. This patient had a serum K+ of 7.0.
  • 20.
     K+ levelhigher than 8.0 mEq/L,  The ECG shows absence of P wave,  progressive QRS widening, and  intraventricular/fascicular/bundle-branch blocks.  The progressively widened QRS eventually merges with the T wave, forming a sine wave pattern.  Ventricular fibrillation or asystole follows.
  • 21.
    Sine wave appearancewith severe hyperkalaemia (K+ 9.9 mEq/L).
  • 22.
  • 23.
     Tests InEvaluation of Hyperkalemia  RFT  Serum Electrolytes- including Mg, Ca  Urine potassium, sodium, and osmolality  Complete blood count (CBC)  Metabolic profile  ECG
  • 24.
    Trans-tubular potassium gradient(TTKG)  TTKG is an index reflecting the conservation of potassium in the cortical collecting ducts (CCD) of the kidneys.  It is useful in diagnosing the causes of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.  TTKG estimates the ratio of potassium in the lumen of the CCD to that in the peritubular capillaries.  TTKG= Urine K/ Serum K x serum Osm/Urine osm
  • 27.
    TREATMENT  3 mainapproaches to the treatment of hyperkalemia :  ●Antagonizing the membrane effects of potassium with calcium  ●Driving extracellular potassium into the cells  ●Removing excess potassium from the body
  • 28.
     ECG manifestationsof hyperkalemia- a medical emergency and treated urgently.  Patients with significant hyperkalemia (K+≥6.5 mM) in the absence of ECG changes should also be aggressively managed  Immediate antagonism of the cardiac effects of hyperkalemia  IV calcium serves to protect the heart,  recommended dose is 10 mL of 10% calcium gluconate, infused intravenously over 2–3 min with cardiac monitoring.
  • 29.
     Rapid reductionin plasma K+ concentration by redistribution into cells.  Insulin lowers plasma K+ concentration by shifting K+ into cells - GI Bolus  β2-agonists, most commonly albuterol, are effective but underused agents for the acute management of hyperkalemia.  – Salbutamol Nebulisations
  • 30.
     Removal ofpotassium.  use of cation exchange resins, Diuretics, and/or Hemodialysis.  Cation Exchange Resins  sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) exchanges Na+ for K+in the gastrointestinal tract and increases the fecal excretion of K+  Dose of SPS is 15–30 g of powder, almost always given in a premade suspension with 33% sorbitol.  The effect of SPS on plasma K+ concentration is slow; the full effect may take up to 24 h and usually requires repeated doses every 4–6 h.
  • 31.
     Therapy withintravenous saline may be beneficial in hypovolemic patients with oliguria and decreased distal delivery of Na+, with the associated reductions in renal K+ excretion.  Loop and Thiazide diuretics can be used to reduce plasma K+ concentration in volume-replete or hypervolemic patients with sufficient renal function  usually combined with iv saline or isotonic bicarbonate to achieve or maintain euvolemia
  • 32.
     Sodium Bicarbonatemay be given for the treatment of significant metabolic acidosis .  Reversible causes of impaired renal function asso with hyperkalemia.  Includes hypovolemia, NSAIDs, urinary tract obstruction, and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS), which can also directly cause hyperkalemia  RX- Removal of offending agent & Hydration
  • 33.
     Hemodialysis isthe most effective and reliable method to reduce plasma K+ .  The amount of K+ removed during hemodialysis depends on  The relative distribution of K+ between ICF and ECF  The type and surface area of the dialyzer used,  dialysate and blood flow rates,  dialysate flow rate, dialysis duration, and the plasma-to- dialysate K+ gradient.