Hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia is a pathological state in which excess potassium (Latin name: kalium) is present in blood plasma. In human beings this is defined as a concentration of over 5 mmol/L. A cardiac arrest may occur at any time at levels of 7 mmol/L and above, making hyperkalaemia a dangerous condition.

It is usually detected by chance as it has no specific symptoms. In reality everything depends on the concentration.

Hyperkalaemia has many causes The most common include:

• renal failure ;
• some medicines;
• excess intravenous potassium;
• insulin deficiency (type 1 diabetes).

The aim of treatment above all is to avoid a cardiac arrest. Various treatments are used.

• Calcium gluconate: calcium has a potassium antagonising effect. This is short-acting, however, and the injection needs to be repeated regularly;
• An injection of insulin through an infusion of a glucose solution. Glucose needs potassium to enters cells. The potassium is then taken up by the cells rather than remaining in the blood circulation;
• Administration of betamimetics…

When hyperkalaemia is very serious and is immediately life-threatening, haemodialysis is used to cleanse the blood.