The diagnosis of hyperkalemia induced by potassium chloride in experimental rabbits

ObjectiveTo observe the electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate in a rabbit model of hyperkalemia induced by potassium chloride, and provide theoretical and experimental reference for timely diagnosis of hyperkalemia clinically.MethodsForty rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups. 0.9% isotonic saline solution was perfused in the group I, while l.0%, 4.0% and 10.0% potassium chloride solutions were perfused in the other groups, respectively, to induce hyperkalemia.ResultsThe changes of serum potassium, ECG and heart rate before perfusion were significantly (P<0.05) different from those after perfusion in the other groups compared with group I. The effect of ECG variability rates was well consistent (Kappa = 0.724, P<0.01) with that of serum potassium on diagnostic tests in the other groups. The area under ROC curve in diagnosis effect of ECG variability rates and serum potassium on hyperkalaemia was much significantly larger (P<0.01 and P<0.05) compared with 0.5. There was a significantly positive correlation between ECG variability rates and serum potassium (r= 0.865, P<0.05 for bilateral Pearson test). There was certain positive correlation between heart rate and serum potassium, but the correlation was poor (r= 0.526, R2=0.277).ConclusionA combination of serum potassium, ECG variability rates and heart rate should be considered and analyzed by synthesis to establish an accurate and timely diagnosis for hyperkalemia.