Alcohol Withdrawal and Hypokalaemia: A Case Report

Abstract

-A case is presented where a 25-year-old man developed a serious hypokalaemia (K + 2.2 mmol/l) during alcohol withdrawal, despite intravenous saline treatment and normal feeding. As hypokalaemia can be symptom-free, we want to draw attention to the combination of vomiting, malnutrition and alcohol withdrawal, as these can cause lethal complications. We therefore recommend that potassium serum level should be routinely monitored during alcohol withdrawal, even when this is being managed in the community.

Hypokalaemic rhabdomyolysis

“…11,12 One study 13 demonstrated a fall in serum magnesium preceding that of potassium by one day during withdrawal. Although alcohol-related hypokalaemia may be caused or exacerbated by diarrhoea and vomiting, another possible mechanism is transcellular shift due to development of hyperadrenergic state during periods of withdrawal.…”

Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, and Chromium Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review

“…However, clinical symptoms of chronic alcohol consumption are also decreased levels of phosphate, magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, and other elements in blood plasma [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Electrolyte abnormalities develop as a result of chronic alcohol consumption during acute alcohol intoxication, but they are particularly important during alcohol withdrawal [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. It turns out that even during alcohol withdrawal, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hyponatremia are observed [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Acute diarrhea-induced shock during alcohol withdrawal: a case study

“…Our patient’s potassium concentration was lower than normal in initial laboratory tests. A number of studies have shown that potassium levels fall during alcohol withdrawal; 5 therefore, oral potassium supplementation should be given routinely after hospitalization in such patients. In the present case, the patient’s diarrhea had been ignored, even when acute, and it was therefore not treated in a timely manner.…”