№ 10General Pediatrics17 min read
Causes and clinical features of potassium homeostasis disturbances.
1. Big picture
Potassium disturbances are high-yield pediatric emergencies because potassium directly controls neuromuscular excitability and cardiac electrical stability.
The exam pattern is simple:
Abnormal potassium
→ abnormal muscle membrane excitability
→ weakness/paralysis
→ ECG changes
→ arrhythmia risk
→ treat urgently if symptomatic or ECG changes
The two dangerous conditions are:
| Disturbance | Main danger |
|---|---|
| Hypokalemia | Muscle weakness, ileus, respiratory weakness, arrhythmias |
| Hyperkalemia | Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest |
In pediatrics, always ask: Is this true potassium disturbance, or is it a sampling/lab artifact?
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