Severe Hyperkalemia in a Case of Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Abstract

Severe hyperkalemia in the presence of chronic renal insufficiency may cause fatal cardiac arrest unless diagnosed early and treated promptly.

Hyperkalemia may be diagnosed immediately through study of serial electrocardiographic tracings. The first electrocardiographic changes observed seem related to a disturbance in depolarization, excitation or conduction processes.

Medical treatment of hyperkalemia includes reduction of potassium intake and protein catabolism, correction of renal acidosis, and maintenance of an adequate urinary output.