Muscular paralysis and ventilatory failure caused by hyperkalaemia.
We report the history of a diabetic man presenting with hyperkalaemia and rapidly progressing muscular paralysis with severe respiratory embarrassment. His symptoms resolved rapidly with reduction of the serum potassium concentration. Similar cases have been reported previously but this is a problem that few will have encountered and is a diagnosis which should not be overlooked before artificial ventilation is commenced.
Freeman
S J
SJ
Department of Medicine, Southmead Hospital.
Fale
A D
AD
D000368:Aged; D000584:Amiloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; C010247:amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide drug combination; D000584:Amiloride