Hypercalemia: ¿Are we using insulin correctly?

Potassium is the main intracellular cation and determines potential cell rest. Hypercaliemia is thus frequently, but not always, associated with severe renal failure. It is a potentially fatal entity due to its ability to produce arrhythmias. Several therapeutic options are intended to stabilize the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista de la Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2011-06, Vol.59 (2), p.149-154
Main Authors: Moreno-Ruíz, Nelson L., Parra, Humberto
Format: Article
Language:eng ; por
Subjects:
MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL
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Summary:Potassium is the main intracellular cation and determines potential cell rest. Hypercaliemia is thus frequently, but not always, associated with severe renal failure. It is a potentially fatal entity due to its ability to produce arrhythmias. Several therapeutic options are intended to stabilize the membrane and redistribute potassium to the cell in acute treatment whilst a patient is undergoing dialysis. Insulin is given in such treatment as it rapidly lowers potassium levels, even though such reduction is transitory. Nevertheless, insulin may be given in several ways depending on the school of formation, availability of resources and a doctor's particular knowledge.
ISSN:0120-0011