ALDOSTERONE-ALKALEMIA & POTASSIUM

SUMMARY

1. Aldosterone enhances distal sodium reabsorption by activating distal tubular Na⁺/H⁺ and Na⁺/K⁺ pumps at the expense of H⁺ loss (alkalosis) and K⁺ loss (hypokalemia).

2. This can result in "paradoxical aciduria," a low urine pH in the setting of metabolic alkalosis.

3. In alkalemia, K⁺ shifts from the extracellular space to the intracellular space in exchange for H⁺, exacerbating hypokalemia.

Reference(s)

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Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].