title: Refractory potassium repletion due to cisplatin-induced magnesium depletion.
abstract: Cisplatin is a common cause of hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia due to renal magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) losses. Magnesium plays an important role in the maintenance of intracellular K. An unrecognized and untreated Mg depletion can lead to a refractory K repletion. We describe two patients with hypomagnesemia-associated refractory hypokalemia following cisplatin following cisplatin therapy. Potassium supplementation failed to replace the K deficit. Profound hypokalemia persisted until hypomagnesemia was recognized and corrected. In neither patient was the concurrent hypomagnesemia recognized until the 11th and 9th hospital days. These two cases demonstrated the association of a refractory K repletion and an Mg deficiency. Thus, both serum K ion and Mg levels should routinely be assessed in patients who require cisplatin therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Solanki
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011189:Potassium Chloride; D008274:Magnesium; D002945:Cisplatin; D011188:Potassium