1.Management and monitoring of hypokalemia occurring during certain diseases
Temuulen Ts ; Maral B ; Baasanjargal B ; Agidulam Z ; Burenbayar Ch ; Ankhbayar D ; Tsogdulam S ; Amardulguun S ; Otgon-Erdene M ; Anujin G ; Khongorzul U1 ; Delgermaa Sh ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):51-54
Background:
Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates
that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result
in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes
of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study.
Aim:
The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized
patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in
the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with
a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement
therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed.
Results:
The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8%
(54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium
replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement
therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia.
Conclusion
According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal
Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the
normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge
of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and
protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.