Severe hyperkalemia requiring hospitalization: predictors of mortality

• DOI: 10.1186/cc11872
• Publication Date: 2012-11-21T15:20:42Z
• Authors: Jung Nam An; Jung Pyo Lee; Hee Jung Jeon; Do Hyoung Kim; Yun Kyu Oh; Yon Su Kim; Chun Soo Lim
• Keywords: Male; Research; Multiple Organ Failure; Middle Aged; Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; Hospitalization; Electrocardiography; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Acute Disease; Potassium; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Female; Hospital Mortality; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Acidosis

Severe hyperkalemia, with potassium (K+) levels ≥ 6.5 mEq/L, is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance. For prompt and effective treatment, it important to know its risk factors, clinical manifestations, predictors of mortality.An observational cohort study was performed at 2 medical centers. A total 923 consecutive Korean patients were analyzed. All 19 years age or older hospitalized severe hyperkalemia between August 2007 July 2010; the diagnosis made either time admission hospital during period hospitalization. Demographic baseline characteristics assessed, outcomes such as in-hospital mortality reviewed, using institutions' electronic record systems.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) most common underlying condition, precipitating factor metabolic acidosis. Emergent indicated in 68.6% patients, 36.7% had electrocardiogram findings typical 24.5% multi-organ failure (MOF) diagnosis, 20.3% diagnosed cardiac arrest. The rate 30.7%; strongly correlated difference serum K+ their highest point, conditions malignancy, infection, bleeding. Furthermore, higher significantly associated presence arrest and/or MOF emergent admission, intensive care unit treatment More importantly, acute injury (AKI) normal renal function strong predictor mortality, compared AKI superimposed on CKD.Severe occurs various conditions; factors are similarly diverse. especially high disease, coexisting conditions, those function.