Serum potassium responses to nebulized salbutamol administered during an acute asthmatic attack. Issue 1 (March 1989)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DaCruz, D; Holburn, C
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 6:Issue 1(1989)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 1989-03
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.6.1.22
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : A prospective study of 20 patients presenting to an accident and emergency department with an exacerbation of pre-existing reversible airways disease was undertaken in order to determine whether such patients incurred any changes in their serum potassium following administration of 5 mg of nebulized salbutamol. Electrolytes were estimated before and 30 min after administration of nebulized salbutamol. No other drug was administered during this period. Results indicate that nebulized salbutamol can cause a significant hypokalaemic response in such situations. Eight out of the 20 patients studied demonstrated falls in serum potassium of more than 0.3 mmol/l. Most of the falls in serum potassium occurred in patients with low pre-treatment PCO2 values; a group of patients with less severe respiratory distress. This preliminary study indicates that a further study aimed at elucidating the clinical significance of nebulized salbutamol-induced hypokalaemia is required.