1) the autopsy report did not prove chronic long-term use of ch. Is this finding contrary to KE’s claims that she had been using it since Sep ‘06?
2) If Anna had ‘tea’ by her bed, and pedialyte in a baby bottle (huh?), why did she show signs of dehydration?
3) could the increased chloride level be an effect of potassium chloride?
The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, or if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS). It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may complicate any of the following conditions: chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis such as diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency or the administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride) (see OVERDOSAGE).
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/klor-con_od.htm
LASIX
PRECAUTIONS: Patients allergic to sulfa may also be allergic to furosemide because of a similarity in the chemical structure of the medications. Furosemide should be avoided in kidney failure. Even though furosemide is important in treating excess fluid accumulation in patients with cirrhosis, sudden loss of fluid and electrolytes in these patients can worsen kidney function and even cause the patient to go into a coma. Furosemide can cause lowering of blood potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. Low potassium and magnesium levels can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, especially in patients already taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Please visit the digoxin (Lanoxin) site for further information.
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Furosemide reduces the kidney excretion of lithium... Furosemide may impair kidney function when administered together with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).