Heparin
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Heparin Hyperkalaemia in an elderly patient: case report A 76-year-old man, who had a history of diabetes mellitus, was hospitalised with pneumonia and renal failure. Following treatment with IV fluid, his serum creatinine level decreased from 2.0 to 1.3 mg/dL. However, during his hospitalisation, his serum potassium level slowly increased from 3.6 mEq/L to a peak of 6.3 mEq/L. He received sodium polystyrene sulfonate. An investigation revealed that he had been receiving heparin 5000 units three times a day for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis [duration of treatment to reaction onset not stated]. Heparin was discontinued and his serum potassium level normalised. Author comment: "Heparin-induced hyperkalemia is secondary to hypoaldosteronism mediated by an enzymatic block in the synthesis of aldosterone". Risk factors associated with development of hyperkalaemia include renal impairment, diabetes mellitus and long-term heparin therapy. Zhang Y, et al. Heparin-induced hyperkalemia - a case report. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 56 (Suppl.): 21 abstr. A10, No. 4, Apr 2008 801112806 USA
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Reactions 31 May 2008 No. 1204
