title: The incidence of diuretic-induced hypokalemia in two distinct clinic settings.
abstract: We studied the incidence of diuretic-induced hypokalemia (DIH) in two diuretic-treated hypertensive populations. Thirty-seven patients with mild hypertension were treated with HCTZ and monitored over 6 months. Group 1 (21 patients) was treated with 25 mg HCTZ q.d. in a public hypertension clinic. Group 2 (16 patients) was treated with 50 mg HCTZ q.d. in a private-practice setting. Group 1 was predominantly nonwhite (76% vs. 31% [p less than 0.002]). Baseline serum potassium levels were lower in group 1 (3.93 vs. 4.42 mEq/L [p less than 0.001]). Equivalent reductions in blood pressure and serum potassium were observed in both groups. Contrary to expectations, DIH (serum potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L) developed in 52% of group 1 and 19% of group 2 (p = 0.037). Black females were especially at risk for DIH. The higher incidence of DIH in group 1 appears to be related to lower baseline serum potassium levels.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D044383:Black People; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004232:Diuretics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American
chemical_list: D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D004232:Diuretics; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; D011188:Potassium