anaemia now high potassium

I went for blood tests today, one reason being my low haemoglobin but the nurse said it was also being tested for high potassium along with numerous other thinhs. This is the first I had heard about and the nurse was concerned that the doctor would phone me tomorrow. She said if I hear nothing to get in touch myself. This has alarmed me.Has anyone else had this problemn?

[hunter5582]

It sounds like they are just being thorough.

You will hear from others that they have experienced hypokalemia reads in their labs. This is often actually pseudohyperkalemia. It is related to the thrombocytosis. It is a spurious form of hyperkalemia and does not have clinical significance when it occurs.

jamanetwork.com/journals/ja...

clinmedres.org/content/6/1/...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

There is a report in the literature of hyperkalemia associated with hydroxyurea use.

bib.irb.hr/732878 . I expect this is not very common or we would hear more about it.

The simplest explanation is usually the best per my PCP. It sounds like they are trying to sort out reasons for the anemia just to be thorough. In the absence of another cause, given that you take hydroxyurea and it is known to cause anemia that would be the most likely explanation. Some people tolerate HU without problems, but not all can (myself included). The good news is that if the HU is the culprit, you can just discontinue it and try something else if cytoreduction is needed.

You should have answers soon. All the best.

[Hidden in reply to hunter5582]

You are so helpful Hunter, thankyou for all your help and reassurance

[Rockstone in reply to Hidden]

I am taking ferrous sulphate and haemoglobin slightly rising and had letter to have blood test in 4 weeks. Today I received out of the blue a letter to go for abdominal scan. Nobody has informed me of this or why I need it. Can you cast any light?

[Moina-vdh]

Hi Rockfield, I have PV and therefore a high red cell count, you didn’t specify what you have, but if you have the same, you’ll be relieved to hear I have had similar results. As I have coeliac disease as well, in my case that would have contributed to the low iron levels (anemia) as well as did the venesections I had to treat my PV. Regardless of my low iron levels, my haematologist advised against taking iron supplements, as that would contribute towards higher red cell count.

As per potassium, I have now learned to advice the GP surgery to use a different measurement system. Potassium count is taken from red cells, so if you have high red cell count, it looks as you have high potassium. The potassium level needs to be measured after separating the red cells, otherwise you will be invited to have one blood test after another. As high potassium is dangerous, they need to measure it with correct method for your medical situation to ensure things are right. Your haematology team should advice you on this.

[Cja1956]

I was told by my original hematologist that high potassium is normal for people with ET. I just would adjust my diet and try to stay away from foods high in potassium.

[Hidden in reply to Cja1956]

Thankyou for your reply. I have not had a phone call after blood test so will assume it is normal as you say for people with ET. . I will try to eat low potassium foods, not much choice though is there.!!