title: Hyperkalemia caused by rapid red cell transfusion and the potassium absorption filter.
abstract: We report a case of transient hyperkalemia during hysterectomy after cesarean section, due to preoperatively undiagnosed placenta accreta that caused unforeseen massive hemorrhage and required rapid red cell transfusion. Hyperkalemia-induced by rapid red cell transfusion is a well-known severe complication of transfusion; however, in patients with sudden massive hemorrhage, rapid red cell transfusion is necessary to save their life. In such cases, it is extremely important to monitor serum potassium levels. For an emergency situation, a system should be developed to ensure sufficient preparation for immediate transfusion and laboratory tests. Furthermore, sufficient stock of preparations to treat hyperkalemia, such as calcium preparations, diuretics, glucose, and insulin is required. Moreover, a transfusion filter that absorbs potassium has been developed and is now available for clinical use in Japan. The filter is easy to use and beneficial, and should be prepared when it is available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuhiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Imashuku
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
authors.forename: Hirotoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kitagawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
authors.forename: Takayoshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mizuno
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-Cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fukushima
keywords: Hyperkalemia; massive hemorrhage; potassium absorption filter; rapid red cell transfusion