title: Cardiac arrhythmias during acute exacerbations of chronic airflow limitation: effect of fall in plasma potassium concentration induced by nebulised beta 2-agonist therapy.
abstract: The effect on cardiac rhythm of the fall in plasma potassium concentration induced by nebulised beta2-agonist therapy was studied in 20 patients admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation of their reversible chronic airflow limitation. Arrhythmias considered serious or potentially life-threatening were recorded in 13 patients (65%). However, there was no significant increase in these arrhythmias in the hour following administration of nebulised beta2-agonist despite a significant fall in plasma potassium concentration during this period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Royal Liverpool Hospital, University of Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Walshaw
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saltissi
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Hind
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013726:Terbutaline; D000420:Albuterol; D011188:Potassium