Profound hypokalemia in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Symptomatic hypokalemia is not known to complicate continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), although this treatment is associated with continuous peritoneal potassium losses. Severe hypokalemia and muscular abnormalities associated with potassium loss developed in a patient undergoing CAPD, illustrating that oral supplementation and/or intraperitoneal potassium administration may be needed to treat patients with chronically poor nutritional intake or increased gastrointestinal potassium losses. Intraperitoneal potassium administration may be indicated in patients who cannot tolerate oral potassium supplements.