Hypokalaemia in the Elderly

Abstract

In an unselected series of 500 consecutive male and 500 consecutive female admissions to a geriatric assessment unit, the serum potassium was below 3.5 mEa/l in 12% of the females and 8.8% of the males. The causes of hypokalemia in this series are discussed and the fact that 40% were iatrogenic is noted. Treatment regimes are outlined and it is suggested that routine electrolyte studies in geriatric hospital practice are justified.