Potassium homeostasis in pregnancy
Lindheimer, M.D.; Richardson, D.A.; Ehrlich, E.N.; Katz, A.I.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 32(7): 517-522
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 3625616 Document Number: 296729
We selectively reviewed potassium (K) metabolism during human gestation, focusing on the influence of progesterone on renal K excretion. Approximately 300 mEq of K is gained during pregnancy. Twothirds of it are in the products of conception, but little is known about renal K handling during gestation. We have suggested that progesterone may play a role in preventing the kaliuresis that normally occurs when aldosterone levels are elevated and substantial quantities of sodium levels are elevated and substantial quantities of sodium are presented to distal nephron sites. In addition, we hypothesize that subtle K secretory problems, such as those known to occur in sickle cell disease, amy be aggravated during gestation, probably due to elevated circulating levels of progesterone.