Safety and efficacy of a concentrated potassium chloride solution infusion for rapid correction of hypokalemia

Abstract

Twenty children with hypokalemia (plasma potassium concentration < or = 3.5 mmol/L) with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were given an infusion of concentrated solution of potassium chloride (200 mmol/L) at a rate of 0.25 mmol per kg per hour till ECG changes reverted to normal, under close monitoring of vital signs and ECG. The regimen effectively corrected the ECG changes in 1 to 6 hours with a mean increase in serum potassium by 0.75 +/- 0.49 mmol/L. No complications occurred. Controlled infusion of a concentrated solution of potassium chloride at a rate of 0.25 mmol/kg/hour is a safe and effective way to achieve rapid correction of hypokalemia with ECG changes, using minimal fluid volumes.