Hyperkalemia - Differential Diagnosis Framework
PseudoHyperkalemia:
• Lab error
• Traumatic venipuncture
• Hemolysis, thrombocytosis, leukocytosis
• Clenching of fist during phlebotomy
High Suspicion for Hyperkalemia:
• CKD
• Poorly controlled DM
• Chemotherapy
• Burns
• Trauma/Crush injury
• Blood transfusion
• HTN and edema
• Jaundice/Hemolytic reactions
Common Drugs Causing Hyperkalemia:
• Digoxin
• K sparing diuretics
• NSAIDs
• ACE Inhibitors
• Recent IV potassium
• Beta blockers
• Antibiotics: amoxicillin
• Heparins
• Tacrolimus
• TMP-SMZ
• Penicillin G
Intracellular Shift:
• K release due to cell lysis:
- Hemolysis
- Transfusion reaction
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Rhabdomyolysis, burns, trauma
- Ischemic colonic necrosis
• K release with intact cell membrane
- Beta adrenergic receptor blockers
- Succinylcholine
- Hyperosmolar states (Uncontrolled diabetes, glucose infusions)
- Metabolic acidosis
- Hyperkalemia Periodic paralysis
- Insulin deficiency or resistance
Impaired Renal Excretion:
• Addison’s disease/Hypoaldosteronism
• Acquired hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism
• Mineralocorticoid deficiency
• Renal insufficiency/Failure
• SLE
• Type IV RTA
• Renal hypoperfusion
Increased K Intake:
1. Medications
2. K supplement
3. Blood transfusion
4. TPN
5. Food - Avoid in CRF:
• Dried fruits, Seaweed, Nuts, molasses, Avocados, Lima beans
• Vegetables: spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots
• Fruits: kiwis, mangoes, oranges, bananas, cantaloupe
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