A 27-year-old female asked:
Why do infants have a higher potassium level?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
SEVERAL REASONS: This is common in right after birth in extremely premature infants, this may be due to ranal insufficency or decreased production of urine, and other kidney diseases may cause it as well
if the infant is on IV fluids that can cause it too, and rarely addison disease in infants can cause high pottasium level.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
What are the normal potassium levels for an infant?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pratip Naganswered
Pediatrics 20 years experience
4.5-6 in <1month old: Infants (less than 1 month) have higher pottasium levels. Usually in the range of 4.5-6 meq/l but at 1 month the normal range is 3.5- 4.5 meq/l.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.