ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of central venous infusions of concentrated potassium chloride corrects hypokalemia by micro-pump in intensive care unit(ICU). Methods The data was analyzed retrospectively on 78 patients with hypokahmia in ICU. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: general group (39 cases) with potassium concentration 40 mmol/L and the rate 10-20 mmol/h,concentrated potassium group(39 cases) with potassium concentration 100-300 mmol/L and the rate 40-200 retool/h, calculating the whole potassium dosage respectively, examining the initial potassium concentration, urine volume per hour, the mean time to aimed potassium concentration and side effect.Results The initial potassium concentration and the whole potassium dosage were no significant difference between the two groups [(2.9 ± 0.2), (3.0 ± 0.2) mmol/L and (85.2 ± 8.7), (92.3 ± 7.6) mmol, respectively](P >0.05). It took longer time reaching the aimed potassium concentration in general group than that in concentrated potassium group [(17.25 ± 4.49) hours and (5.67 ± 0.75) hours, respectively] (P < 0.01).There were no comphcations such as hyperkalemia, fatal arrhythmia and phlebitis. Five patients were bloating in general group. Condusions Under meticulous monitoring, it is effective and relative safely to correct hypokahmia by central venous infusions of concentrated potassium chloride using micro- pump in ICU. The therapy is of clinical value in treating hypokalemia patients.