6533b821fe1ef96bd127c26d

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Hypokalemia shortens relative refractory period of peripheral sensory nerves in man

K. LowitzschHanns Christian HopfK. Maurer

subject

medicine.medical_specialtyTime FactorsNeurologyRefractory Period ElectrophysiologicalRefractory periodbusiness.industryNeural ConductionHypokalemiaSensory systemNormal valuesNerve conduction velocityHypokalemiaPeripheralNeurologyRefractoryAnesthesiamedicineHumansPeripheral NervesNeurology (clinical)medicine.symptombusiness

description

Absolute and relative refractory periods and the sensory conduction velocity of the median and ulnar nerves were determined in six patients suffering from hypokalemia of various origins. Nerve impulse conduction and the absolute refractory period remained normal, but the relative refractory period was shortened to 1.7 to 2.6 ms at serum K+ levels from 1.6 to 2.9 mval/l. As compared with normal values this decrease was statistically significant.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
1977-08-18Journal of Neurology
https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00312818