Work

A Case Series of Pseudohyperkalemia: A Diagnostic Dilemma in Cancer Patients With Reactive Thrombocytosis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition if not treated urgently. However, certain conditions can cause pseudohyperkalemia and the treating physician must be able to distinguish between the two to prevent complications of overtreatment that can lead to hypokalemia, itself a life-threatening condition. One of the causes of pseudohyperkalemia is thrombocytosis. Here we present three cases of pseudohyperkalemia secondary to reactive thrombocytosis in cancer (solid malignancy) patients. This case series emphasizes the importance of recognizing pseudohyperkalemia from a physician's perspective to avoid inadvertent treatment.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81851

Authors: Ashwini More, Prafulla Parikh, Sujeet Kamtalwar, Avinash Pagdhune

Institutions: Tata Memorial Hospital, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer

Language: English

Topic: Potassium and Related Disorders

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409229305