Hypokalaemic paralysis in malnourished children.
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.
Sharma
P P
PP
Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India.
Murali
M V
MV
Koul
P B
PB
Dhar
P
P
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
D011188:Potassium