Hypokalemia with Hypercalcemia

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Abstract
Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening biochemical abnormality in patients with hypercalcemia. A large group of patients with hypercalcemia was studied to determine prevalence of hypokalemia. Patients (103) with normal renal function and no history of taking K-depleting drugs comprise the substance of this study. Thirty three of 103 patients (32%) were hypokalemic. A higher prevalence (52.3%) was found in patients with hypercalcemia associated with malignant disease than in those with primary hyperparathyroidism (16.9%). Degree and frequency of hypokalemia were greatest at the higher serum Ca levels. The presence of hypokalemia must be considered when treating severe hypercalcemia; otherwise, vigorous use of diuretics may result in profound hypokalemia and tachyrhythmias.