Sick cell syndrome

Not to be confused with Sickle-cell disease.

Sick cell syndrome is a medical condition characterised by reduced functioning of the cellular Na+/K+ pump, which is responsible for maintaining the internal ion homeostasis. The clinical result is a rise in blood K+ level and drop of blood Na+ levels

There are a wide range of possible pathological conditions that can cause sick cell syndrome, including:

• hypoxia
• sepsis
• hypovolaemia
• malnourishment

This syndrome is well known in the field of palliative medicine as many terminal patients develop this condition.

References

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