Hyperkalemia in Severe Burn Injuries: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Advances

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Hyperkalemia represents a prevalent and life-threatening complication in critically ill burn patients, presenting a significant threat to clinical outcomes and mortality rates. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifactorial pathogenesis underlying hyperkalemia in this population. Furthermore, we critically evaluate recent therapeutic advances, including novel pharmacological interventions, and optimized dialysis protocols. Through synthesizing current evidence from clinical trials and pathophysiological studies, this work offers evidence-based recommendations for optimized clinical management while identifying critical knowledge gaps requiring further investigation. Enhanced understanding of these mechanisms and therapeutic modalities is paramount for developing targeted treatments that improve survival and reduce morbidity in severe burn injuries.