The Survey for Correlation of ECG Findings to Prognosis in Hyperkalemia

Choi, Sung Il; Jo, Hyung Do; Shin, Dae Hee; Choi, Chang Ryeol; Lee, Seung Won; Ryu, Jun Ho; Han, Sang Woong; Kee, Choon Suhk; Kim, Ho Jung

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia, one of life threatening medical emergencies, has had its prognosis and treatment determined clinically based on the findings of EKG. To date, there hasn't been enough data on the effect of very early EKG features of hyperkalemia on the long-term outcome of treatment. Therefore, we have conducted this study to suggest possible treatment guideline for hyperkalemia by analyzing the correlations between initial parameters, treatment methods and treatment outcomes.
METHODS
We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 58 patients with hyperkalemia who visited the Hanyang University Kuri Hospital from May 1995 to April 2000. We examed underlying diseases, electrolytes, regular hemodialysis, hemodialysis trials, clinical and ECG findings(at initial and recovery state).
RESULTS
High systolic pressure seems to be significantly correlated with high recovery rate. Subjects with unique EKG finding of hyperkalemia were more likely to have higher serum potassium level and death rate than those without unique EKG finding. However, this group has shown improved recovery rate after undergoing hemodialysis. Serum potassium level of hyperkalemia phase does not correlate with final outcomes and EKG findings. Over 80 percent of the hyperkalemic subjects are accompanied with renal failure, and there was significant improvement in the survival rate in renal failure subjects whom had undergone hemodialysis.
CONCLUSION
In hyperkalemia, the EKG has the importance in diagnosis, severity classification and treatment choice. However, prognosis of the hyperkalemia does not rely solely on the EKG itself but rather on the appropriate individualized treatment including hemodynamic stabilization and hemodialysis. Therefore, prompt and adequate treatment based on early speculation upon possible etiologic candidates, EKG, and general condition may lead to recovery from the hyperkalemia, including critical conditions such as conduction disorder and severe arrhythmia.