Hyperkaliämie - Ursachen, Diagnostik und Therapie [Hyperkalemia - causes, diagnostic evaluation and treatment]

Potassium is pivotal for membrane potentials and controls the functioning of a variety of organs, including nerves and muscles. The vast majority of potassium resides within cells. Disorders that compromise potassium influx into cells and decrease renal elimination cause hyperkalemia. Treatment approaches stabilize membranes, shift potassium into the cells and increase secretion in the collecting duct of the kidneys. Novel enteral potassium exchanger will expand our therapeutic arsenal in the near future.