clinical features
Last edited 02/2018 and last reviewed 07/2021
Hypokalaemia is often asymptomatic (1).
Possible signs and symptoms of hypokalaemia include:
- cardiac
- dysrhythmias
- conduction defects
- lethargy/confusion
- skeletal muscle
- weakness/rhabdomyolysis
- flaccid paralysis
- fasciculations and tetany: extensor muscle spasms of hands and feet
- paraesthesiae of hands and feet
- gastrointestinal
- ileus
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal distensio
- renal
- polyuria (1,2,3)
Reference:
- (1) Viera AJ, Wouk N. Potassium Disorders: Hypokalemia and Hyperkalemia. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(6):487-95.
- (2) Pepin J, Shields C. Advances in diagnosis and management of hypokalemic and hyperkalemic emergencies. Emerg Med Pract. 2012;14(2):1-17
- (3) Smellie WSA, Shaw N, Bowlees R, Taylor A, Howell‐Jones R, McNulty CAM. Best practice in primary care pathology: review 9. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2007;60(9):966-974.