Clinical syndrome of potassium intoxication

Potassium intoxication in man results in widespread impairment of neuromuscular function. Potassium produces a characteristic sequence of electrocardiographic changes, impaired contraction of the heart recognizable by auscultation, and final arrest of the heart in diastole. Flaccid paralysis may also be present, involving the extremities and to a lesser degree the trunk but sparing the cranial nerves for the most part.Two cases with elevation of serum potassium manifesting this clinical syndrome are described. Following administration of sodium chloride, both paralysis and electrocardiographic changes reverted toward normal.The genesis of potassium intoxication, the typical sequence of electrocardiographic changes, the nature of the paralysis and the therapeutic approach are discussed.