Betamethasone-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis in pregnancy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acute hypokalemic periodic paralysis may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy.

CASE:

A healthy 23-year-old gravid woman at 32 weeks of gestation with preterm premature rupture of membranes received two doses of 12-mg intramuscular betamethasone 24 hours apart to accelerate fetal lung maturation. She developed significant proximal muscle weakness within 16 hours after the initial dose. Her serum potassium was 1.6 mEq/L. Oral and parenteral potassium replacement restored her neuromuscular function over several days. She delivered by repeat cesarean at 34 weeks of gestation without complications for her or the neonate.

CONCLUSION:

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a rare cause of weakness, may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy and is reversible with low-risk interventions.

• Authors: Corey M Teagarden, Carla W Picardo
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 117 Issue 2 Pt 2 Pg. 433-435 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1873-233X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21252779 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Betamethasone
• Potassium

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Betamethasone (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Female
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Infant, Newborn
• Muscle Weakness (chemically induced)
• Potassium (therapeutic use)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Pregnancy Outcome
• Young Adult