ALKALOSIS AND LOW PLASMA POTASSIUM IN A CASE OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME: A METABOLIC STUDY

Abstract

A typical case of Cushing''s syndrome was studied having an abnormal pattern of electrolytes of the plasma, i.e.: bicarbonate 46, Cl, 78, K 2.2, and Na, 137 m.-eq./liter. The abnormalities were corrected by adm. of KCl and NH4Cl, but upon discontinuing this therapy there was reversion to the original pattern. The subsequent adm. of K citrate also increased the concs. of both K and Cl in the plasma; in contrast, the adm. of NH4C1 decreased their cones. The subject had probably become markedly depleted of K, and secondarily of Cl, possibly as the result of hyperactivity of the adrenal cortices; correction of the abnormalities of the plasma electrolytes had no apparent effect upon the course of the disease.