[Related factors for hypokalemia during acute episode of bronchial asthma: clinical analysis in 56 children].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence and clinical features of hypokalemia in children with acute episode of bronchial asthma.


METHODS
The clinical records of 56 children with acute episode of bronchial asthma were reviewed and analyzed.


RESULTS
Altogether 21 children with the complication of hypokalemia were identified from the 56 patients, with the incidence of the complication of 37.5%. Multiple factors were involved in the occurrence of hypokalemia during the acute episode of asthma and its treatment. Due to the unspecific manifestations, hypokalemia was easy to escape detection.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypokalemia is highly likely in children with acute episodes of bronchial asthma, which poses potential danger for the patients. Potassium supplementation should be timely administered especially in children taking glucocorticosteroid and beta2 receptor agonist.
Wang
Shui-you
SY
Quzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China. yisheng3@hotmail.com
Xu
Ting-yun
TY
D000208:Acute Disease; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists