Sick cell syndrome

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Sick cell syndrome is a medical condition characterised by reduced functioning of the cellular Na+/K+ pump[1], 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 symdnrome is well know in the field of palliative medicine as many terminal patients develop this condition.