title: [Transfer hypokalemia induced by norepinephrine infusion].
abstract: We report a case of a severe hypokalaemia by intracellular shift of potassium in a sedated and ventilated head trauma patient. The kalaemia which was 3.9 mmol.L-1 at admission in the intensive care unit decreased to 1.3 mmol.L-1 during a perfusion of noradrenaline (0.3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). Following the decrease of the noradrenaline dose, and administration of potassium, the kalaemia rapidly increased to 5.3 mmol.L-1 carrying a risk of arrhythmia. Therefore, kalaemia and ECG should be closely monitored when the noradrenaline doses are reduced. The causes of transcellular shift of potassium are reviewed.
authors: Département d'anesthésie-réanimation, CHU adulte La Timone, Marseille, France.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Seck
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Bruder
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Courtinat
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Pellissier
authors: G
authors: G
authors: François
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013566:Sympathomimetics; D011188:Potassium; D009638:Norepinephrine
vernacular_title: Hypokaliémie de transfert induite par la perfusion de noradrénaline.