Postoperative Potassium Deficit and Metabolic Alkalosis

Abstract

Discussion Evidence of a Tissue Potassium Deficit Hypochloremia resistant to correction by isotonic sodium chloride solution has previously been observed in postoperative patients. Ten years ago, Maddock³ described a group of patients who demonstrated a resistant hypochloremia after operation. Chloride administered as the sodium salt was either excreted in the urine or added to the body with water. These patients exhibited lethargy, depression, weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, dehydration, drowsiness and stupor. Clinical improvement and rise in plasma chloride occurred when the patients started to eat. No explanation was offered. Ariel and his co-workers⁴ again called attention to this group of . . .