title: Electrocardiographic manifestations of hyperkalemia in hemodialysis patients.
abstract: This study was performed to evaluate whether any electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter can predict the presence of hyperkalemia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). In January 2006, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 80 stable patients with end-stage renal disease from four university-based HD units of Tehran, Iran, receiving conventional thrice-weekly HD. Pre-HD serum electrolyte values and conventional 12-lead ECG were obtained from each patient. Bivariate linear regression was used for assessing relationship of the study variables with hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.2 mg/dL). Multivariable logistic regression was used for evaluating independent relationship between decreased T wave duration (< or =170 ms) and other variables. Bivariate correlation analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between serum potassium concentration and T wave duration (P < 0.05). None of the patients with serum potassium of > or = 5.6 mg/dL had T wave duration >200 ms. Multivariate logistic analysis, after adjustment for other factors, also showed a significant relationship between decreased T wave duration (< or =170 ms) and hyperkalemia. We conclude that although hyperkalemia does not induce the usual ECG changes in HD patients, decreased T wave duration was found to be a good indicator of this lethal condition.
authors.affiliation: Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Eghlim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nemati
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taheri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007492:Iran; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D011188:Potassium