Management of severe hyperkalemia.

MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE HYPERKALEMIA

Severe Acute Hyperkalemia during Pre-Anhepatic Stage in Cadaveric Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

A serious hazard to patients during orthotopic liver transplantation is hyperkalemia. Although the most frequent and hazardous hyperkalemia occurs immediately after reperfusion of the newly transplanted liver, morbid hyperkalemia could happen in the other phases during orthotopic liver transplantation. However, pre-anhepatic hyperkalemia during orthotopic liver transplantation is rare. This rep...

A quality improvement project to enhance the management of hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients

29 ABSTRACT: Background: Hyperkalemia is a common condition, occurring in up to 10% of hospitalized patients. Al though severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition, there is little consistency in the management of high serum potassium. We conducted a quality improvement project aimed at increasing the proportion of hy perkalemia cases managed according to the best available evidence and...

Treatment of Severe Hyperkalemia: Confronting 4 Fallacies

Severe hyperkalemia is a medical emergency that can cause lethal arrhythmias. Successful management requires monitoring of the electrocardiogram and serum potassium concentrations, the prompt institution of therapies that work both synergistically and sequentially, and timely repeat dosing as necessary. It is of concern then that, based on questions about effectiveness and safety, many physicia...

Emergency management and commonly encountered outpatient scenarios in patients with hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder with potentially lethal consequences. Severe hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, making a clear understanding of emergency management crucial. Recognition of patients at risk for cardiac arrhythmias should be followed by effective strategies for reduction in serum potassium levels. In the outpatient setting, diagnosis of ...