Case Reports
A case of severe hyperkalaemia presenting with cardiac arrythmias: An uncommon initial manifestation of chronic kidney disease
Authors:
Dinesha Himali Sudusinghe ,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, LK
About Dinesha
Department of Physiology
Lecturer (Probationary)
J Indrakumar
Department of Medicine,
Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, LK
Abstract
Hyperkalaemia is a potentially fatal condition. The relationship between potassium (K+) level and symptoms may not be consistent, as patients with longstanding hyperkalaemia may be asymptomatic in spite of high K+ levels1. The rapidity of change in K+ level influences the symptoms observed at any particular K+ concentration1. The most dangerous complication in patients with hyperkalaemia is cardiac arrhythmia. It is known that a K+ concentration greater than 10mmol/L is fatal, unless urgent treatment is instituted2,3. This report describes a patient presenting with a cardiac arrythmia and extremely severe hyperkalaemia (9mmol/L) of uncertain duration, who subsequently recovered with medical management.
How to Cite:
Sudusinghe, D.H. & Indrakumar, J., (2015). A case of severe hyperkalaemia presenting with cardiac arrythmias: An uncommon initial manifestation of chronic kidney disease. Journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine. 2, pp.E14:1–E14:5. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jpgim.8063
Published on 06 May 2015.
Peer Reviewed
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