Hypokalemia in an asthmatic child from abuse of albuterol metered dose inhaler.
A case of albuterol abuse by a pediatric patient with the development of hypokalemia with electrocardiographic changes is presented. The hypokalemic effects of beta2-agonists are discussed in regard to the production of significant cardiac symptoms. Additionally, guidance regarding the evaluation of similar patients presenting in the emergency department is provided.
Rakhmanina
N Y
NY
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
Kearns
G L
GL
Farrar
H C
HC
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000420:Albuterol; D011188:Potassium