title: [Encephalopathy, convulsions and hypopotassemia in theophylline poisoning: a case analysis].
abstract: A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after convulsive seizures preceded by encephalopathy lasting one week. He had a history of long-standing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and analysis showed hypokalemia, respiratory alkalosis and toxic levels of theophylline. We discuss the severity of the convulsions and arrhythmias, the high incidence of hypokalemia in theophylline poisoning, as well as the role of hypokalemia in the pathogenesis of the convulsions and the high level of mortality in this type of intoxication. Other possible mechanisms involved in theophylline encephalopathy are mentioned, along with the controversial use of theophylline for continuous treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Las Palmas Norte, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suárez Ortega
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodríguez Perdomo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parrilla Díaz
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ayala Galán
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Artiles Vizcaíno
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Melado Sánchez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D062787:Drug Overdose; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013806:Theophylline / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D013806:Theophylline
vernacular_title: Encefalopatía, convulsiones e hipopotasemia en la intoxicación teofilínica: análisis de un caso.