title: Refractory hypokalemia during barbiturate coma therapy used for treating refractory intracranial hypertension in traumatic brain injury.
abstract: Barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) is a choice treatment for refractory intracranial hypertension after all surgical or medical managements have failed to control the intracranial pressure (ICP). It helps to reduce cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption and ICP. However, this therapy can also cause many complications. One of the underreported, but life-threatening complications is refractory hypokalemia, which can lead to subsequent rebound hyperkalemia after sudden cessation. We report our experience of managing unusual complication of refractory hypokalemia during BCT with thiopentone in postdecompressive craniectomy patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medical Sciences and P3 Neuro Center, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Wan Mohd Nazaruddin
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wan Hassan
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medical Sciences and P3 Neuro Center, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Nazuha Mohd
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Najid
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medical Sciences and P3 Neuro Center, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Halimatun Sa'adiah
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Muslim
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences and P3 Neuro Center, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Abdul Rahman
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Izaini Ghani
keywords: Barbiturate coma; hypokalemia; intracranial hypertension; traumatic brain injury