Tuesday, April 15, 2014

HYPERKALEMIA (HARD) & INDICATIONS OF DIALYSIS (AEIOU)

Causes: (HARD)

H     Hemolysis
A     Addisson's Diseases
R     Renal Failure/Rhabdomyolysis
D     Drugs: ARBs/Spironolactone and nephrotoxic agents

In an OSCE, first place the patient on monitored bed, cannulate, and get repeat samples for U & E, Creatinine, Calcium, and venous blood gases. Ask for an EKG to look for tall T waves.

Ask history of any Infections, injuries or renal disease, cardiac symptoms like chest pain/palpitations.

Background medical diseases like HTN, CHF, DM, Multiple myeloma, SLE
Drugs like ACEI, ARBS, Spironolactone, NSAIDS, Aminoglycosides, Amphotericin, recent contrast media imaging.

Treatment:


  1. 10 ml of 10% Calcium Gluconate slow IV push
  2. 50 ml of 50% Dextrose with 10 Units HAI over 10 minutes
  3. Nebulized Salbutamol
  4. Kayexalate PO or Enema
  5. NaHCO3 can also be used
  6. Lastly, HD and ICU care should be recommended for refractory hyperkalemia.
Treat Underlying cause:

Hydrate with IV Fluids
Stop all nephrotoxic drugs
Treat infections with antibiotics
Monitor UO

Note the Indications for Dialysis in Acute Renal Failure: AEIOU

  • Acidosis (Metabolic Acidosis with pH < 7.2)
  • Electrolyte disturbances: Refractory hyperkalemia
  • Ingestions
  • Overload (Fluid Overload: CHF)
  • Uremia: Pericarditis/Encephalopathy
(Source: Trivedi, 2011)


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