title: Hypokalaemia in the elderly: is it always diuretic-induced?
abstract: Serum potassium was measured within 24 hours in 156 patients (48 male, 108 female) with an average age of 81.9 years admitted to the unit with acute illness. Of the 156 patients, 88 (56.4%) were taking diuretics (none was on ACE inhibitors); 20 patients (12.8%) were also on digoxin therapy. In all, 24 patients (16%) had hypokalaemia and 3 (2%) hyperkalaemia. Hypokalaemia was seen in patients associated with acute illness. There was no significant difference between the diuretic and non-diuretic groups. Monitoring of serum potassium is not routinely indicated to detect hypokalaemia in patients on diuretic therapy except in those with severe hepatic or renal impairment or those on digoxin.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Department, Bridlington and District Hospital, East Yorkshire.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nasar
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Lyle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D011188:Potassium