Rodenticide poisoning as a cause of quadriparesis: a rare entity.

Abstract

Acute flaccid paralysis with its wide repertoire of causes presents a challenge to the clinician. We present a case of barium carbonate poisoning, a rare yet easily treatable cause of acute quadriparesis. Barium acts by redistribution of potassium from the extra- to intravascular compartment causing hypokalemia. Early recognition and prompt potassium supplementation under cardiac monitoring yield gratifying results.

• Authors: Pallawi Torka, Rajeev Sharma, Rita Sood
• Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine (Am J Emerg Med) Vol. 27 Issue 5 Pg. 625.e1-3 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1532-8171 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19497472 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carbonates
• Rodenticides
• Barium
• barium carbonate

Topics

• Adult
• Barium (poisoning)
• Carbonates (poisoning)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Male
• Quadriplegia (chemically induced)
• Rodenticides (poisoning)
• Suicide, Attempted