UNLABELLED: Hypokalaemia is a common electrolyte disorder in children, caused by decreased potassium intake, increased gastrointestinal and urinary losses or transcellular shift. Patients with severe hypokalaemia may suffer from symptoms such as life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of our study was to review the aetiology of hypokalaemia, suggest a diagnostic algorithm and discuss the management of patients with various aetiologies of hypokalaemia. CONCLUSION: Understanding the pathophysiology of hypokalaemic states, along with a detailed medical history, physical examination and specific laboratory tests are required for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Department of Paediatrics 2nd Faculty of Medicine Motol University Hospital Charles University Prague Praha Czech Republic

Paediatrics Department B Faculty of Health Sciences Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Ben Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel

References provided by Crossref.org