Abstract
Background: Potassium (K<sup>+</sup>) supplementation of isotonic crystalloid fluids in daily fluid therapy is commonly performed, yet its accuracy in veterinary medicine is undetermined. Objective: To investigate the accuracy of K<sup>+</sup> supplementation in isotonic crystalloid fluids. Animals: None. Methods: Observational study. 210 bags of fluid supplemented with KCl being administered to hospitalized dogs and cats intravenously (IV) were sampled over a 3-month period. Measured K<sup>+</sup> concentration ([K<sup>+</sup>]) was compared to the intended [K<sup>+</sup>] of the bag. In a second experiment, 60 stock fluid bags were supplemented to achieve a concentration of 20 mmol/L K<sup>+</sup>, mixed well and [K<sup>+</sup>] was measured. In another 12 bags of 0.9% NaCl, K<sup>+</sup> was added without mixing the bag, and [K<sup>+</sup>] of the delivered fluid was measured at regular time points during constant rate infusion. Results: The measured [K<sup>+</sup>] was significantly higher than intended [K<sup>+</sup>] (mean difference 9.0 mmol/L, range 6.5 to >280 mmol/L, P < .0001). In 28% of clinical samples measured [K<sup>+</sup>] was ≥5 mmol/L different than intended [K<sup>+</sup>]. With adequate mixing, K<sup>+</sup> supplementation of fluids can be accurate with the mean difference between measured and intended [K<sup>+</sup>] of 0.7 (95% CI -0.32 to 1.7) mmol/L. When not mixed, K<sup>+</sup> supplementation of 20 mmol/L can lead to very high [K<sup>+</sup>] of delivered fluid (up to 1410 mmol/L). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Inadequate mixing following K<sup>+</sup> supplementation of fluid bags can lead to potentially life threatening IV infused [K<sup>+</sup>]. Standard protocols for K<sup>+</sup> supplementation should be established to ensure adequate mixing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 834-839 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Additives
- Crystalloid fluids
- Electrolytes
- Hyperkalemia
- Mixing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- veterinary(all)