Nephro Flash Vol-11, No-1, 2026

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are clinical manifestations of urinary dysfunction, commonly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. These symptoms include nocturia, urgency, increased urinary frequency, weak urinary stream, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

BPH is an age-related condition with a prevalence of approximately 25% in men aged 40–49 years, 50% in those aged 50–59 years, and up to 80% in men aged 70–79 years. Population studies further indicate that the prevalence of CKD rises with LUTS severity.

Potassium is the principal intracellular cation and a critical determinant of cellular membrane potential, essential for normal neuromuscular transmission and cardiac electrophysiology. Even modest reductions in extracellular potassium can impair myocardial excitability and increase the risk of conduction abnormalities and life-threatening arrhythmias.

Thiazide and loop diuretics, widely used in the management of hypertension and heart failure, promote renal potassium wasting and are among the most common pharmacological causes of hypokalemia. Diuretic-induced hypokalemia may be asymptomatic or present with muscle weakness, electrocardiographic changes, and increased cardiovascular risk.