Dispelling myths and misconceptions about the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.

Arnav A Gupta, Michael Self, Matthew Mueller, Gabriel Wardi, Christopher Tainter

Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine 2022;52():85-91

PMID: 34890894

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Abstract

Hyperkalemia represents a widespread and potentially lethal condition that affects millions of people across their lives. Despite the prevalence and severity of the condition, there are no consensus guidelines on the treatment of hyperkalemia or even a standard definition. Herein, we provide a succinct review of what we believe to be the most significant misconceptions encountered in the emergency care of hyperkalemia, examine current available literature, and discuss practical points on several modalities of hyperkalemia treatment. Additionally, we review the pathophysiology of the electrocardiographic effects of hyperkalemia and how intravenous calcium preparations can antagonize these effects. We conclude each section with recommendations to aid emergency physicians in making safe and efficacious choices for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.

Address: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92013, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92013, USA; Division of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California at San Diego, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92013, USA.; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92013, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92013, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.11.030

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MeSH Terms: Calcium, Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents, Cation Exchange Resins, Electrocardiography, Emergency Service, Hospital, Humans, Hyperkalemia, Polystyrenes, Ringer's Lactate