Hypokalaemia — low serum potassium — is a dangerous complication of Ebola virus disease associated with arrhythmias and/or death. Correction is essential, but repletion must be carried out carefully given the risks of both under- and over-treatment in this setting.
The strategy for potassium repletion depends on the patient's tolerance for the oral route and on how low the serum level has fallen. Oral administration is preferred when the patient is not vomiting. The intravenous route is reserved for specific circumstances, and IV bolus administration is contraindicated. Refractory cases may require additional electrolyte support beyond potassium alone.
Normalisation of the serum potassium level, confirmed by re-checking after each dosing step.