title: Inconceivable Hypokalemia: A Case Report of Acute Severe Barium Chloride Poisoning.
abstract: Barium is a heavy divalent alkaline earth metal that has been known as a muscle poison. Barium can cause human toxicity, which may lead to significant hypokalemia and have serious consequences. This paper reports a case of unprecedented barium intoxication in which the patient, who suffered from depression, swallowed at least 3.0 g barium chloride to commit suicide. On admission, the patient presented with nausea, vomiting, stomach burning feeling, dizziness, and weakness. Emergency biochemical testing showed that the patient was suffering from severe hypokalemia (K+1.7 mmol/L). His electrocardiogram (ECG) prompted atrioventricular blocking, ventricular tachycardia, prolongation of PR interval, ST segment depression with U waves, and T wave inversion. Intravenous potassium supplements were given immediately to correct hypokalemia and regular monitoring of vital signs and fluid balance was arranged. After all-out rescue of our hospital personnel, the condition of the patient is currently stable and he is gradually recovering. This case exemplifies the weaknesses of the management of toxic substances and the lack of mental health education for young people. We hope to get more attention for the supervision of toxic substances and the healthy development of young people.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Haibo
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9371-1810
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Yanru
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Man
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoyuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Hang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Qin
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
authors.forename: Shanrong
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2971-4018
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liu