Indomethacin-induced hyperkalemia in three patients with gouty arthritis
J. W. Findling, D. Beckstrom, L. Rawsthorne, F. Kozin and H. Itskovitz
We describe three patients in whom severe, life-threatening hyperkalemia
and renal insufficiency developed after treatment of acute gouty arthritis
with indomethacin. This complication may result from an inhibition of
prostaglandin synthesis and consequent hyporeninemic hypoaidosteronism.
Careful attention to renal function and potassium balance in patients
receiving indomethacin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents,
particularly in those patients with diabetes mellitus or preexisting renal
disease, will help prevent this potentially serious complication.
