title: Severe hypokalemia in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
abstract: Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disorder in the intensive care unit. Its cause often is complex, involving both potassium losses from the body and shifts of potassium into cells. We present a case of severe hypokalemia of sudden onset in a patient being treated for subarachnoid hemorrhage in the surgical intensive care unit in order to illustrate the diagnosis and management of severe hypokalemia of unclear cause. Our patient received agents that promote renal potassium losses and treatments associated with a shift of potassium into cells. We outline the steps in diagnosis and management, focusing on the factors regulating the transcellular distribution of potassium in the body.
authors: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT.
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Ybanez
authors: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT.
authors: Varun
authors: V
authors: Agrawal
authors: Department of Surgery, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT.
authors: Bruce I
authors: BI
authors: Tranmer
authors: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Fletcher Allen Health Care, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT. Electronic address: fgennari@uvm.edu.
authors: F John
authors: FJ
authors: Gennari
mesh_terms: D000137:Acid-Base Imbalance; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D011188:Potassium
keywords: Hypokalemia; barbiturate; hypothermia; neurosurgery; subarachnoid hemorrhage; transcellular potassium homeostasis