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Mechanism of hypokalemia in magnesium deficiency
Journal article   Open access

Mechanism of hypokalemia in magnesium deficiency

Chou-Long Huang and Elizabeth Kuo
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Vol.18(10), pp.2649-2652
10/2007
DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2007070792
PMID: 17804670
url
https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2007070792View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency is frequently associated with hypokalemia. Concomitant magnesium deficiency aggravates hypokalemia and renders it refractory to treatment by potassium. Herein is reviewed literature suggesting that magnesium deficiency exacerbates potassium wasting by increasing distal potassium secretion. A decrease in intracellular magnesium, caused by magnesium deficiency, releases the magnesium-mediated inhibition of ROMK channels and increases potassium secretion. Magnesium deficiency alone, however, does not necessarily cause hypokalemia. An increase in distal sodium delivery or elevated aldosterone levels may be required for exacerbating potassium wasting in magnesium deficiency.
Potassium - metabolism Kidney - metabolism Magnesium Deficiency - complications Humans Hypokalemia - metabolism Hypokalemia - complications Magnesium Deficiency - metabolism

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