Heparin-induced hyperkalemia

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2008 May;80(2):e7-8. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2008.01.019. Epub 2008 Mar 17.

Abstract

An 85-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes mellitus of 32 years duration with peripheral neuropathy was admitted under the vascular surgeons with extensive gangrene of her lower limb. She was on insulin for the last 7 years. Initial investigations showed normal serum electrolytes. She was started on antibiotics and unfractionated heparin, and her electrolytes showed hyperkalemia, which persisted on active treatment. Her short synacthen test showed good response, renin was normal with low aldosterone, urinary pH, sodium, potassium and osmolality was normal. On stopping heparin serum, potassium became normal. On restarting heparin (low molecular weight) during a suspected episode of pulmonary embolism, she developed hyperkalemia and heparin was stopped. Her potassium and aldosterone became normal on discontinuation of heparin. She developed hyperkalemia with both unfractionated and low molecular weight heparin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetic Foot / surgery
  • Female
  • Heparin / adverse effects*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hyperkalemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Insulin / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Heparin