Hypokalemia

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Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Hypokalemia is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Hypokalemic Syndrome
• Hypopotassemia Syndrome
• Low Potassium Syndrome
• Nephritis, Potassium-Losing
• Potassium Loss Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely low potassium levels in the blood. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs. The body needs potassium for the contraction of muscles (including the heart), and for the functioning of many complicated proteins (enzymes). Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow of body fluids between the cells in the body. The normal concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by the kidneys through the excretion of urine. When the kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is sufficient for use by the body and the excess is usually excreted through urine and sweat. Body chemicals and hormones such as aldosterone also regulate potassium balance. Secretion of the hormone insulin, which is normally stimulated by food, prevents a temporary diet-induced Hypokalemia by increasing cell absorption of potassium. When Hypokalemia occurs, there is an imbalance resulting from a dysfunction in this normal process, or the rapid loss of urine or sweat without replacement of sufficient potassium.

Resources

CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)

Climb Building

176 Nantwich Road

Crewe, Intl CW2 6BG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 870 7700 325

Fax: +44 870 7700 327

Email: info@climb.org.uk

Internet: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk



Muscular Dystrophy Association

3300 E. Sunrise Dr

Tucson, AZ 85718

USA

Tel: 5205292000

Fax: 5205295300

Tel: 8003444863

Email: mda@mdausa.org

Internet: http://www.mdausa.org



Digestive Disease National Coalition

507 Capitol Court

Suite 200

Washington, DC 20002

Tel: (202)544-7497

Fax: (202)546-7105

Email: scott@hmcw.org

Internet: http://www.ddnc.org



NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases

Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch

2 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3570

Tel: (301)654-3810

Fax: (301)496-7422

Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov



MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network

150 Custer Court

Green Bay, WI 54301-1243

USA

Tel: 9203365333

Fax: 9203390995

Tel: 8773365333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

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It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

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Last Updated:  2/2/2008

Copyright  1990, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Last updated:	February 02, 2008