2023 Volume 49 Issue 1 Pages 27-31
Increased platelet counts can cause pseudohyperkalemia; however, its occurrence has not been reported in patients with burns. Herein, we report a case of pseudohyperkalemia due to increased platelet counts in a patient with 13% burn injuries.
The patient was a man in his 20s. He received a total of 13% burn injuries on the abdomen, back, and right upper and lower extremities. Surgery was performed on the 3rd and 10th days, and epithelialization was successful. His platelet count was 27.6×104/µL upon admission, but increased to 71.7×104/µL on the 16th day. His serum K level was 4.2 mEq/L upon admission, but increased to 5.4 mEq/L on the 14th day. Excessive potassium administration, intracellular release of potassium, and efflux disorder were negative, and plasma K levels were 0.4 mEq/L and 0.6 mEq/L lower than serum levels on the 10th and 17th days, respectively. A diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia due to increased platelet count was made. The patient was discharged on the 31st day following the burn injury.
The possibility of pseudohyperkalemia should be considered when patients with burns present with increased platelet counts.
