Etiological assessment of patients who have diagnosed hyperkalemia in emergency service

Etiological Assessment of Patients Who Have Diagnosed Hyperkalemia In Emergency Service Objective: Potassium balance disorder is a serious problem that threatens human life. The purpose of this study is evaluation of causes of getting hyperkalemia, treatment approach of hyperkalemia and relationship between hyperkalemia and electrocardiography (ECG) changes in patients who have diagnosed hyperkalemia in emergency service. Material and Methods: In this study, between June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2014, 100 patients were examined who presenting to Emergency Department Of Çukurova University Balcalı Hospital which is over the age of 18 during my working hours. The patients, who have high potasium level serum samples and legible ECG, were included in this study. Potassium levels in these patients, during their stay in the emergency department were monitored and recorded. In addition to this, the factor of causes of hyperkalemia were studied to determine. Results:One hundred patients were included in this study which have hyperkalemia according to laboratory analysis. Patients are consist of 49 % female and 51 % male. Average age of whole patients is 65 years and the average potasium level is 6 mEq/L. When we examine the etiology, chronic kidney disease is in the first order, acute renal failure is in the second order and the usage of Anjiotensing Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI) and Spironolakton is in the third order. Peaked T Symptom (T wave > (2/3) R wave) in the V4-V5-V6 leads was taken into account as symptom of hyperkalemia in electrocardiography (ECG). ECG was not observed in patients with fake-hyperkalemia but ECG changes was observed in the patients, who are 38,2 % of having chronic renal disease, 35,3 % of having acute renal failure, 8,8 % of using spirinolakton and 8,8 % using ACEI. Conclusion: Hyperpotasemia must be concluded in patient with renal disease and in patient who is under drug treatment that may cause hyperpotasemia in emergency department.