title: Hyperkalaemia in diabetes mellitus--potential hazards of coexisting hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism.
abstract: Two patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type I), developed severe, life-threatening hyperkalaemia, the first following treatment with spironolactone, the second during treatment for staphylococcal septicaemia when glucose-induced hyperkalaemia occurred. Investigations demonstrated co-existing hyporeininaemic hypoaldosteronism. Prompt recognition of this combined hormone-deficiency syndrome led to appropriate treatment and recovery. The biochemical features and clinical importance of hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000009:adverse effects; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D013148:Spironolactone; D000450:Aldosterone; D012083:Renin