Nephro Flash Vol-5, No-3, 2019

Hypokalemia: Defining the problem Hypokalemia is amongst the most common electrolyte disturbances reportedly seen in clinical practice.1 The normal range for serum potassium levels is defined as between 3.5-5.0 mmol/l.2 Below the lower limit, hypokalemia is categorized as mild when the serum potassium level is 3-3.4 mmol/L, moderate when the serum potassium level is 2.5-3 mmol/L, and severe when the serum potassium level is less than 2.5 mmol/L.1 This condition is associated with an increased rate of mortality, owing to its association with progression of cardiac and kidney disease and interstitial fibrosis. Hence, an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms of potassium homeostasis is important for practitioners.

Kidney stones: A prologue Kidney stones have become a prevalent disorder in recent times, with annual incidence reported to be eight cases per 1,000 adults. It is a serious health condition as it has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney diseases, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Development of these stones occurs due to reduced urine volume or increased excretion of stone-forming components such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate. Low urinary citrate levels or excessive urinary acidity (low pH) might also lead to stone formation. The composition of stones is mainly calcium salts, uric acid, cysteine, and struvite. Amongst these, the most common types are the calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate (>80% of the stones), followed by uric acid (8-10%) and cysteine and struvite. The epidemiology of kidney stones in the Asian continent is given in Box 1.