Potassium/Magnesium levels

last April, husband had bladder, rectum and prostate removed. douple ostamies in place. urostomy had blockage, second surgury performed. Now he's got blood clot in leg, they have found more cancer in pelvic area, but can't release him from the hosptal because they can't figure out what is kicking out his potassium that they have been pumping into him for over a week. He's in dire need to get well enough so we can get him strong to start either chemo or radiation again.  Need answers or direction.... not getting anywhere here.



Any doctor have any advice on where/who to turn to now?   Please.. times running out


This discussion is related to bladder nodule, all tests inconclusive.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  To what extent has his potassium levels gone down?  If he's putting out a lot of fluid from his colostomy, that may explain his low serum potassium (diarrhea fluid is usually potassium rich).  If he has a primary colon or prostate cancer, these may uncommonly produce a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH.  ACTH can directly cause a decrease in serum potassium levels, among other metabolic effects. The presence of this condition (ectopic ACTH production) can be tested by doing a test called  the "dexamethasone suppression test".