Hematology Case Histories - Case 11

A 30-year-old male developed flulike symptoms with fatigue, afternoon fever, night sweats, weight loss, abdominal cramping, and significant diarrhea. He had taken in very little water over the few days prior to admission the hospital. Blood tests revealed the following:
Hematocrit (Hct): 56%
Leukocytes: 1000/cu mm
Serum potassium: 3.2 mEq/L
CD4 T-cell counts: <200/µl of blood
This individual was treated with antibiotics for infection and rehydrated with fluid containing potassium. The hematocrit reversed itself after the fluid was given and then the individual became anemic.

1. What is the diagnosis of this individual?

2. What caused the hematocrit abnormality?

3. What treatments are available for this disorder?

4. What is the term for this person's potassium level prior to treatment?

5. What effect could this abnormal potassium level potentially have on the heart?

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