Tenofovir Induced Hypokalaemia - A case report

Authors

Ankisha Gupta, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSSAHERFollow
Kiran P. K, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSSAHERFollow
Rajendra Prasad S, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSSAHERFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4221-5177

Abstract

Tenofovir, an important medication for HIV/AIDS, carries the risk of hypokalemia in patients receiving treatment. Factors such as dietary deficits, vomiting, or diarrhea further increase this risk. Tenofovir acts as a mitochondrial toxin by inhibiting the DNA polymerase gamma enzyme, crucial for mitochondrial DNA replication. Consequently, ATP generation is depleted through the aerobic pathway, leading to dysfunction in the proximal tubule. This dysfunction manifests as renal acidosis type 2, which involves reduced bicarbonate excretion by the proximal tubule, resulting in renal bicarbonate wasting and decreased serum bicarbonate levels. Consequently, the lumen of the distal nephron becomes negatively charged, leading to compensatory potassium secretion and ultimately causing severe hypokalemia. Understanding the mechanisms underlying tenofovir-induced hypokalemia is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage electrolyte imbalances in patients undergoing tenofovir treatment.

Publication Date

Summer 6-8-2023

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

First Page

56

Last Page

58

Conflict of Interest

None

Keywords

hypokalemia, tenofovir, HIV, Adverse Effect

Word Count

649

Recommended Citation

Gupta A, K KP, S RP. Tenofovir Induced Hypokalaemia - A case report. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 5(2): 56-58. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1133

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.