STUDIES IN DIABETIC ACIDOSIS AND COMA, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE RETENTION OF ADMINISTERED POTASSIUM

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Abstract
The intake and the output of electrolytes, Na and carbohydrate during treatment of diabetic acidosis or coma were measured in 6 children and in 2 adults prior to, during, and following the admn. of KC1, 10-30 g. per os or intraven. Negative external balances of K during the initial period of therapy became positive during the admn. of KC1, and frequently remained positive following completion of therapy with this K salt. Apportionment of the K balances between the cellular and extracellular phases revealed a loss of cell K during the pre-KCl interval, and a gain during the KC1 period. Since the increase in cell K persisted, this has been interpreted as an indication of a replacement of the body stores of this cation previously depleted by losses attendant upon diabetic acidosis or coma.