Biomaterial Database

[Potassium deficiency]. 1977

H U Maeder

A survey of the causes, clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis of patassium deficiency is given. Intention is to point out that the potassium cation plays a significant part in a number of metabolic reactions and has an important influence on neuro-muscular physiology and kidney function. The supply of potassium can be of vital importance.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007674	Kidney Diseases	Pathological processes of the KIDNEY or its component tissues.	Disease, Kidney,Diseases, Kidney,Kidney Disease
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D011191	Potassium Deficiency	A condition due to decreased dietary intake of potassium, as in starvation or failure to administer in intravenous solutions, or to gastrointestinal loss in diarrhea, chronic laxative abuse, vomiting, gastric suction, or bowel diversion. Severe potassium deficiency may produce muscular weakness and lead to paralysis and respiratory failure. Muscular malfunction may result in hypoventilation, paralytic ileus, hypotension, muscle twitches, tetany, and rhabomyolysis. Nephropathy from potassium deficit impairs the concentrating mechanism, producing POLYURIA and decreased maximal urinary concentrating ability with secondary POLYDIPSIA. (Merck Manual, 16th ed)	Deficiencies, Potassium,Deficiency, Potassium,Potassium Deficiencies
D004232	Diuretics	Agents that promote the excretion of urine through their effects on kidney function.	Diuretic,Diuretic Effect,Diuretic Effects,Effect, Diuretic,Effects, Diuretic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006929	Hyperaldosteronism	A condition caused by the overproduction of ALDOSTERONE. It is characterized by sodium retention and potassium excretion with resultant HYPERTENSION and HYPOKALEMIA.	Aldosteronism,Conn Syndrome,Conn's Syndrome,Primary Hyperaldosteronism,Conns Syndrome,Hyperaldosteronism, Primary,Syndrome, Conn,Syndrome, Conn's
D000284	Administration, Oral	The giving of drugs, chemicals, or other substances by mouth.	Drug Administration, Oral,Administration, Oral Drug,Oral Administration,Oral Drug Administration,Administrations, Oral,Administrations, Oral Drug,Drug Administrations, Oral,Oral Administrations,Oral Drug Administrations