RT Journal
A1 Scirica BM, Morrow DA
T1 POtassium levels after acute myocardial infarction—reply
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD April 18
VO 307
IS 15
SP 1578
OP 1580
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.488
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.488
AB 
In Reply: Dr Robey highlights the challenges of interpreting population-based research and the need to individualize the treatment of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia based on the patient's underlying pathophysiology. Current practice guidelines1 based on small, observational studies recommend maintenance of normal potassium levels, in particular among patients with significant ventricular ectopy. Despite a lack of compelling clinical data, many hospitals routinely implement automated algorithms for potassium supplementation that target potassium levels above 3.5 or 4.0 mEq/L in a broad range of hospitalized patients, including those presenting with AMI. Thus, the widespread assumption that routine potassium repletion is medically necessary persists, and achieving these targets requires significant resources. The report by Goyal et al2 is one of the largest studies to evaluate the relationship between potassium level and outcomes in AMI. Despite the inherent limitations of any observational, population-based study, the findings from Goyal et al are a substantial step forward from the previous small reports and should remind clinicians of the value of reevaluating habitual clinical practices based on sparse data.