Images in Clinical Medicine
Hypokalemia
N Engl J Med 2003; 349:2116November 27, 2003
- Article
A 42-year-old man was hospitalized because he had had confusion, weakness, and lethargy for approximately a week. Hypertension had recently been diagnosed, and the patient had begun therapy with a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. His blood pressure was 170/100 mm Hg. An electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm with prominent U waves (arrow) and a prolonged QT interval. The patient's serum sodium concentration was 118 mmol per liter, and his serum potassium concentration was 1.4 mmol per liter. Treatment with amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide was stopped. The patient received intravenous fluids, including supplemental potassium. Enalapril therapy was initiated for blood-pressure control. At discharge, his serum electrolyte levels and the electrocardiographic findings were normal.
Adam Nosworthy, M.B., B.Ch.
Johannesburg Hospital, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa- Citing Articles (2)
- Letters
