1. What is the Mayo Clinic Potassium Deficit Formula?

The Mayo Clinic formula estimates total body potassium deficit based on serum potassium level and a distribution factor. It helps guide potassium replacement therapy in hypokalemic patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mayo Clinic formula:

Where:

• \( K \) — Serum potassium level (mmol/L)
• \( Distribution \) — Distribution factor (unitless)

Explanation: The formula estimates that for every 1 mmol/L decrease in serum potassium below 4 mmol/L, there's a corresponding total body deficit that depends on the distribution factor.

3. Importance of Potassium Deficit Calculation

Details: Accurate potassium deficit estimation is crucial for proper replacement therapy, preventing both under- and over-correction of hypokalemia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum potassium in mmol/L and an appropriate distribution factor (typically 200-400 for mild-moderate deficit, 600-1000 for severe deficit). All values must be valid (K > 0, distribution > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical distribution factor?
A: Distribution factors vary: 200-400 for mild-moderate deficit, 600-1000 for severe deficit or when intracellular shifts are suspected.

Q2: How accurate is this estimation?
A: It provides a rough estimate. Actual deficit may vary based on clinical context, acid-base status, and other factors.

Q3: When should potassium be replaced?
A: Replacement is typically needed when serum K+ < 3.5 mmol/L, or < 4.0 mmol/L in high-risk patients (e.g., on digoxin or with heart disease).

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: It doesn't account for ongoing losses, acid-base disorders, or special conditions like periodic paralysis.

Q5: How should replacement be administered?
A: Oral replacement is preferred when possible. IV replacement requires careful monitoring, especially in patients with renal impairment.