Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Hyperleukocytosis

Madison Merritt; Hannah Kline; Sudha Garimella; Robert Seigler

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1624569

Journal of Pediatric Intensive Care, Table of Contents

J Pediatr Intensive Care 2018; 07(03): 166-168
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1624569

Case Report

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Hyperleukocytosis

Authors

Madison Merritt

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Hannah Kline

²MS4 USC School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Sudha Garimella

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

³Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Robert Seigler

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina, United States

⁴Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Abstract

A 7-year-old girl presented with lymphadenopathy and bruising suggestive of leukemia. Complete blood count was significant for white blood cell count of 479,000/mm³. Basic metabolic panel sent via pneumatic tube system was significant for potassium > 10 mEq/L. The stat venous blood gas potassium level was 4.6 mEq/L. A 12-lead-ECG showed sinus tachycardia without peaked T-waves. It was determined that this was pseudohyperkalemia associated with significant hyperleukocytosis. This brief report discusses rare causes of pseudohyperkalemia that can be overlooked, and details the postulated mechanisms for pseudohyperkalemia in the setting of hyperleukocytosis.

Keywords

hyperkalemia - pseudohyperkalemia - hyperleukocytosis

Full Text

References

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