Clinical Information

Potassium (K+) is the major intracellular cation. Functions of potassium include regulation of neuromuscular excitability, heart contractility, intracellular fluid volume, and hydrogen ion concentration. The physiologic function of K+ requires the body to maintain a low extracellular fluid concentration of the cation; the intracellular concentration is 20 times greater than the extracellular K+ concentration. Only 2% of total body K+ circulates in the plasma.

The kidneys provide the most important regulation of K+. The proximal tubules reabsorb almost all the filtered K+. Under the influence of aldosterone, the remaining K+ can then be secreted into the urine in exchange for sodium in both the collecting ducts and the distal tubules. Thus, the distal nephron is the principal determinant of urinary K+ excretion.

Decreased excretion of K+ in acute kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure are common causes of prolonged hyperkalemia.

Renal losses of K+ may occur during the diuretic (recovery) phase of acute tubular necrosis, during administration of non-potassium sparing diuretic therapy, and during states of excess mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid.