title: Safety and efficacy of a concentrated potassium chloride solution infusion for rapid correction of hypokalemia.
abstract: Twenty children with hypokalemia (plasma potassium concentration < or = 3.5 mmol/L) with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were given an infusion of concentrated solution of potassium chloride (200 mmol/L) at a rate of 0.25 mmol per kg per hour till ECG changes reverted to normal, under close monitoring of vital signs and ECG. The regimen effectively corrected the ECG changes in 1 to 6 hours with a mean increase in serum potassium by 0.75 +/- 0.49 mmol/L. No complications occurred. Controlled infusion of a concentrated solution of potassium chloride at a rate of 0.25 mmol/kg/hour is a safe and effective way to achieve rapid correction of hypokalemia with ECG changes, using minimal fluid volumes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singhi
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Gautham
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lal
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D011189:Potassium Chloride