Predominant sex: Male = Female

Incidence

• Electrolyte abnormality is commonly encountered in clinical practice (1).
• Found in >20% of hospitalized patients (when defined as potassium <3.6 mEq/L).
• Higher incidence (5–20%) in individuals with eating disorders
• >10% of inpatients with alcoholism
• Higher incidence in patients with AIDS
• Associated risk after bariatric surgery