Hyperkalemia-induced paralysis.
Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte abnormality that can lead to severe consequences. Paralysis induced by hyperkalemia has been described in only a few reports. We describe a 60-year-old man who experienced paralysis presumably due to hyperkalemia. He presented to the emergency department with severe weakness in all extremities. The patient's serum potassium concentration was greater than 8 mEq/L and his serum creatinine concentration was 7 mg/dl. Findings on electrocardiography were abnormal. Of note, his drug therapy included lisinopril and naproxen. After treatment for hyperkalemia, the patient's symptoms resolved; however, he was admitted for further workup for renal failure. The patient was discharged after approximately 1 week with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 5) between the patient's paralysis and hyperkalemia. Although hyperkalemia as a cause of paralysis is extremely rare, clinicians should be aware of this potentially life-threatening, noncardiac toxicity.
Department of Pharmacy, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN 38104, USA.
Nikita S
NS
Wilson
Joanna Q
JQ
Hudson
Zachary
Z
Cox
Tabitha
T
King
Christopher K
CK
Finch
D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D017706:Lisinopril / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009288:Naproxen / Q000009:adverse effects; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*
D009288:Naproxen; D003404:Creatinine; D017706:Lisinopril