title: Hypokalaemic paralysis in malnourished children.
abstract: Six malnourished children presenting with acute flaccid paralysis caused by hypokalaemia are described. Their ages ranged from 6 to 36 months. The extent of paralysis varied from neck flop to quadriparesis. Two cases had respiratory paralysis requiring ventilatory support for 48-72 hours. All were successfully treated with potassium supplementation. Hypokalaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis in malnourished children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Murali
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Koul
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dhar
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011188:Potassium