Elevated baseline potassium level within reference range is associated with worse clinical outcomes in hospitalised patients.

ABSTRACT: The clinical significance of elevated baseline serum potassium (K+) levels in hospitalised patients is rarely described. Hence, we performed a retrospective study assessing the significance of elevated K+ levels in a one-year admission cohort. Adult patients without hypokalaemia or end-stage renal disease were included. Adverse outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, and events of arrhythmia. In total, 17,777 patients were included in the study cohort, and a significant difference (P?5.5?mmol/L, adjusted HR 2.119 (1.532-2.930). Moreover, the risks of in-hospital acute kidney injury and arrhythmia were higher in patients with serum K+ levels above 4.0?mmol/L and 5.5?mmol/L, respectively. In conclusion, increased serum K+ levels, including mild elevations may be related to worse prognosis. Close monitoring and prompt correction of underlying causes or hyperkalaemia itself is warranted for admitted patients.

SUBMITTER: Park S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5445083 | biostudies-other | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other