Gestoerter Kaliumhaushalt und Hypokaliaemie. Update fuer den Kliniker [Disturbed potassium balance and hypokalemia. Update for clinicians]

Potassium is the most common intracellular cation and approximately 98% is intracellular. The plasma level reflects only 2% of the potassium content. The absorption rate is approximately 70 mmol/24 h and from this 95% is excreted from the kidneys and 5% from the intestines. A 1% shift in potassium from intracellular to extracellular would mean a 100% change in the plasma level meaning that the rapid ingestion of a steak could be fatal. The body is protected from this by a fine regulation of the potassium distribution via the cell membranes. Recent research has also shown that there is also signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys, which can immediately result in excretion of potassium without incurring alterations to the plasma or aldosterone levels. In patients with hypokalemia it is necessary to thoroughly investigate the acid-base balance in order to come to the correct diagnosis. The best therapy for hypokalemia is to remove the cause