Prevalence, associated factors, management and outcomes of hypokalaemia in hospitalised patients at a South African tertiary centre

Abstract

Although the prevalence of hypokalaemia among adult patients who were hospitalised was found to be low, their in-hospital mortality rate was high. Moreover, the investigations and management of hypokalaemia were frequently found to be inadequate. Therefore, it is imperative for healthcare providers in the hospital setting to enhance their knowledge and management of hypokalaemia. The findings of this study have implications for developing evidence-based guidelines for managing hypokalaemia in SA.