Potassium K | (24 hour urine)

Possible interpretation of the results

The concentration of potassium in the urine increases:

Enhanced excretion of K + associated with hypokalemia (K + in urine> 20 mmol / L)

• K + loss by the kidneys during kidney disease.
• Diuretics.
• Renal tubular acidosis type I and II;
• Diabetic or alcoholic ketoacidosis;
• Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism;
• Cushing's syndrome;
• Barter syndrome;
• Metabolic alkalosis due to intestinal loss of HCl (vomiting, gastric drainage).

Enhanced excretion of K + associated with hyperkalemia (K + in urine> 40 mmol / L)

• Intake of large amounts of potassium (with food or through therapy);
• Reduction of K + penetration into cells: Insulin deficiency, introduction of β-blockers, digitalis.
• Tissue destruction, hemolysis;
• Metabolic acidosis;
• Infusion of hypertonic saline solution.

The concentration of potassium in the urine decreases:

Decreased excretion of K + associated with hypokalemia (K + in urine <20 mmol / L)

• Decrease in K + intake;
• Extrarenal loss of potassium (skin, fistulas, laxatives, diarrhea).

Decreased excretion of K + associated with hyperkalemia (K + in urine <40 mmol / L)

• Hypoaldosteronism and pseudohypoaldosteronism;
• Kidney disease with low urine flow (nephrosclerosis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis).