Chemical dependency and hyperkalemia in adolescents and adults: supportive findings

Alcohol. 1993 Nov-Dec;10(6):541-3. doi: 10.1016/0741-8329(93)90079-4.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to explicate findings of elevated blood potassiums (K+) among inpatient addiction treatment patients. A higher mean blood K+ level was established to exist for these patients compared to reference groups. This was investigated by comparing "high" and "normal" K+ groups within our patient group on several demographic variables and on the usage of various drugs. Multiple regression analyses were computed in an attempt to predict K+ levels. Age alone was found to be the best predictor after elimination of nonsignificant variables. Adolescents and young adults may differentially favor substances that raise K+ levels. Elevated blood K+ levels among adolescents and young adults may alert practitioners to specifically explore substance use disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging / blood
  • Child
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Hyperkalemia / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Potassium / blood
  • Regression Analysis
  • Substance-Related Disorders / blood
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*

Substances

  • Potassium