Prevalence and prognostic value of electrocardiographic abnormalities in hypokalemia: A multicenter cohort study
Kildegaard H, Brabrand M, Forberg JL, Platonov P, Lassen AT, Ekelund U
Published in J Intern Med, Vol. 295 (4), pp. 544-556
Methodology
Multicentre cohort of 79,599 adults with an ECG and potassium below 4.4 mmol/L at four emergency departments in Denmark and Sweden; ECG measures against potassium and 7-day outcomes.
Key Findings
ECG abnormalities were present in 40% of hypokalemic patients (potassium below 3.5 mmol/L): T-wave flattening 27%, ST-segment depression 16%, QTc prolongation 14%.
Conclusions
ECG abnormalities were common in hypokalemia but were poor prognostic markers for short-term adverse events under current care.
Limitations
Too few ventricular arrhythmias to evaluate that outcome; emergency-department population.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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