J Pediatr Intensive Care 2020; 09(02): 113-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1700981
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Potassium Infusions on Serum Levels in Children during Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

1   Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
,
2   Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Illinois, United States
,
Aayush Khanal
1   Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
,
Kimberly Powell
1   Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
,
Giovanna Caprirolo
1   Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
,
Ryan Majcina
1   Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
,
Randall S. Robbs
3   Center for Clinical Research, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

27 September 2019

27 November 2019

Publication Date:
08 January 2020 (online)

Abstract

A retrospective study was done to determine the effect of potassium (K+) infusions on serum levels in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Eighty-two percent of 92 cases studied received 40 mEq/L K+ infusion over the treatment period of median 13.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7–18) hours. The median K+ value at the end of this period was 3.9 (IQR: 3.4–4.2) mEq/L. There were 31 data points of low K+ values (<3.5 mEq/L) and 4 high values (>5.5 mEq/L) during this treatment period. The K+ infusions of 40 mEq/L may be sufficient to normalize serum K+ when treating DKA.

Note

This work was performed at St. John's Children's Hospital, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. The pediatric department of Southern Illinois University provided logistical support.