BACKGROUND: Potassium deficiency may cause cardiac arrhythmias culminating in syncope or sudden death. METHODS: An inquiry performed among physicians caring for a total of 249 patients with inborn salt-losing tubulopathies revealed that acute cardiac complications occurred in seven children. RESULTS: Four patients died suddenly and three had severe syncope. These episodes occurred in the context of severe chronic hypokalaemia (< or =2.5 mmol/l) or were precipitated by acute diseases, which exacerbated hypokalaemia (< or =2.0 mmol/l). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, severe chronic or acute hypokalaemia is hazardous in inborn salt-losing tubulopathies.
BACKGROUND:Potassium deficiency may cause cardiac arrhythmias culminating in syncope or sudden death. METHODS: An inquiry performed among physicians caring for a total of 249 patients with inborn salt-losing tubulopathies revealed that acute cardiac complications occurred in seven children. RESULTS: Four patients died suddenly and three had severe syncope. These episodes occurred in the context of severe chronic hypokalaemia (< or =2.5 mmol/l) or were precipitated by acute diseases, which exacerbated hypokalaemia (< or =2.0 mmol/l). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, severe chronic or acute hypokalaemia is hazardous in inborn salt-losing tubulopathies.
Authors: Cinzia Cortesi; Sebastiano A G Lava; Alberto Bettinelli; Fabiana Tammaro; Olivier Giannini; Maria Caiata-Zufferey; Mario G Bianchetti Journal: Pediatr Nephrol Date: 2010-06-13 Impact factor: 3.714
Authors: Rodo O von Vigier; Maria Teresa Ortisi; Angela La Manna; Mario G Bianchetti; Alberto Bettinelli Journal: Pediatr Nephrol Date: 2009-12-22 Impact factor: 3.714