A further patient with watery diarrhoea and hypokalaemia in association with a non-beta islet cell tumour of the pancreas is reported. The mechanism by which fluid and electrolyte losses are produced is discussed and cases previously reported are reviewed.

Low serum potassium concentration is a frequently encountered abnormality, seldom accompanied by life-threatening symptoms. We present a 55-year-old women with a severe, symptomatic hypokalaemia. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations are discussed.

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are either trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain. Very low calorie diets, diets with energy levels between 200 and 800 kcal/day, are used commonly for rapid weight loss. These diets are generally safe and well-tolerated and have been repo...

1. Erythrocyte sodium concentration and fluxes were measured in patients with acid-base disturbances, hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia. Results were similar to those obtained with normal erythrocytes exposed to artificial in vitro alterations. 2. Erythrocyte sodium content and influx varied directly with extracellular bicarbonate which appeared to influence membrane permeability. 3. Hypokalaemia ...