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Hyperkalemia classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jogeet Singh Sekhon, M.D. [2]; Huda A. Karman, M.D.

Overview

Overview

Hyperkalemia develops when blood potassium levels are more than 5.1 meq/L. Hyperkalemia can be classified based on the potassium levels, duration of onset and the cause of hyperkalemia.

Classification

Classification

Hyperkalemia classification type Characterestics
Based on potassium levels Mild
Potassium levels between 5.1-6.0 mEq/L.
    Moderate
    Potassium levels between 6.1-7.0 mEq/L.
      Severe
      Potassium levels more than 7.0 mEq/L.
        Based on the duration Hyperacute
        • Develops in a few hours
        • Usually due to tissue breakdown
        • Or due to parenteral potassium supplement.
          Acute
          Chronic
          References

          References

          1. Lehnhardt A, Kemper MJ (2011). “Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia”. Pediatr Nephrol. 26 (3): 377–84. doi:10.1007/s00467-010-1699-3. PMC 3061004. PMID 21181208.
          2. Adrogué HJ, Madias NE (1981). “Changes in plasma potassium concentration during acute acid-base disturbances”. Am J Med. 71 (3): 456–67. PMID 7025622.
          3. Magner PO, Robinson L, Halperin RM, Zettle R, Halperin ML (1988). “The plasma potassium concentration in metabolic acidosis: a re-evaluation”. Am J Kidney Dis. 11 (3): 220–4. PMID 3344745.
          4. Lee HK, Brough TJ, Curtis MB, Polito FA, Yeo KT (2008). “Pseudohyperkalemia–is serum or whole blood a better specimen type than plasma?”. Clin Chim Acta. 396 (1–2): 95–6. doi:10.1016/j.cca.2008.06.022. PMID 18638465.

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