CLINICAL DISORDERS OF POTASSIUM HOMEOSTASIS - HYPERKALEMIA AND HYPOKALEMIA

Potassium is the most abundant solute and cation found inside mammalia n cells. Intracellular potassium accounts for 95% to 98% of total body potassium, and the intracellular location of potassium is important f or normal cell growth and cell volume. Potassium is an important fatte r for many enzyme systems, including those responsible for DNA, protei n, and glycogen synthesis. Potassium also plays a critical role in neu romuscular transmission. As a consequence, many of the clinical signs related to potassium imbalances manifest as cardiac or skeletal muscle dysfunction. Largely because of its role in neuromuscular transmissio n, ext acellular potassium concentrations are closely regulated within a relatively narrow range (approximately 3.5-5.5 mEq/L).