STUDIES IN DIABETIC ACIDOSIS AND COMA, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE RETENTION OF ADMINISTERED POTASSIUM

Abstract

The intake and the output of electrolytes, Na and carbohydrate during treatment of diabetic acidosis or coma were measured in 6 children and in 2 adults prior to, during, and following the admn. of KC1, 10-30 g. per os or intraven. Negative external balances of K during the initial period of therapy became positive during the admn. of KC1, and frequently remained positive following completion of therapy with this K salt. Apportionment of the K balances between the cellular and extracellular phases revealed a loss of cell K during the pre-KCl interval, and a gain during the KC1 period. Since the increase in cell K persisted, this has been interpreted as an indication of a replacement of the body stores of this cation previously depleted by losses attendant upon diabetic acidosis or coma.