ISSN:
1432-1971
Keywords:
Serum potassium
;
KCl
;
Cardiac surgery
;
Congenital heart defects
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary A total of 31 pediatric cardiac patients (mean age 19 ½ months) who required surgery for repair of various congenital heart defects were prospectively studied in the postoperative period to determine potassium (K) dose-response characteristics. All patients received supplementary K when the serum K was 〈4.0 meq/liter. A total of 100 administrations of intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) were evaluated. KCl, 0.5 meq/kg, was infused over 2 h by syringe pump. This infusion was repeated as necessary to achieve a serum K≥4.0 meq/liter. The KCl was administered in addition to the K in the patients' maintenance solution. Blood samples for serum K determination were collected 15–30 min before and after the KCl infusion. The mean K dose administered was 0.72±0.23 meq/kg. This produced a mean rise in serum K of 0.61±0.48 meq/liter. Of 100 administrations, 11 resulted in no change or a decrease in serum K. Four of 100 administrations resulted in serum K〉5.0 meq/liter. Intravenous KCl supplementation in a dose of 0.5 meq/kg administered over 2 h is safe and effective for pediatric postoperative cardiac patients. Serum K should be measured to monitor therapy, due to variable response.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02265404
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