Trimethoprim-Induced Hyperkalemia in a Patient with AIDS

Abstract

Hyperkalemia has been reported in 16 to 21 percent of patients hospitalized with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)^1-3. Although renal failure often accompanies hyperkalemia,^1,2 AIDS is associated with other abnormalities that impair renal excretion of potassium, such as adrenal insufficiency and hypoaldosteronism^3-7. Adrenal insufficiency and hypoaldosteronism, however, are rare in patients with AIDS^4,5.