HYPOKALEMIC NEPHROPATHY AND NEPHROGENIC DIABETES-INSIPIDUS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF A SOFT DRINK

Chronic diarrhea commonly causes hypokalemia. However, Life-threatenin g hypokalemia due to chronic diarrhea has not been reported in the adu lt caused by chronic ingestion of a fructose beverage. We report an ad ult patient who had severe hypokalemia from chronic osmotic diarrhea a s a result of drinking 4 to 6 liters of Big Red daily for several mont hs. This resulted in sustained hypokalemia, complicated by hypokalemic nephropathy and subsequent nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. All abnorm alities cleared with potassium replacement, salt restriction, modest t hiazide treatment, and abstinence from Big Red.