Causes of Hypokalemia - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm

Decreased intake (rare cause in isolation)

GI loss - Urine loss <20mmol/d

 • Diarrhea

 • Vomiting

 • NG suction

 • Laxatives

Transcellular shift

 • Insulin

 • Beta-2 agonists

 • alkalemia

 • Refeeding syndrome

 • Rapid hematopoiesis

 • Hypothermia

 • Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis/familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis

EABV contracted

 • Loop diuretics / Bartter's syndrome

 • Thiazide diuretics / Gittelman's syndrome

 • Magnesium depletion

High renin, High aldosterone

 • Renal artery stenosis

Low renin, High aldosterone

 • Hyperaldosteronism

Low renin, Low aldosterone

 • Licorice intake

 • Liddle's syndrome



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