[Hypokalemic periodic paralysis provoked by "Ambene"].

Abstract

The case of a 42-year-old man is reported, who on four occasions developed a hypokalaemic periodic paralysis after an intramuscular injection of "Ambene". The detailed examination of this patient shows, that it is the primary, autosomal dominant inherited form of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis, and not the secondary form, which is caused by a renal or gastrointestinal loss of potassium. Clinical and electrophysiological, as well as histopathological and electron microscopic findings are presented, showing the typical vacuolar myopathy with submicroscopic tubular structures. In the literature there is evidence for an increased sensitivity of the muscle membrane to insulin with an increased potassium-shift inside the cell in hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. "Ambene" is a combination, which contains amongst other substances dexamethasone and the local anaesthetic drug lidocain. In the present case the paresis was possibly caused by a combined effect of dexamethasone with a consequent hyperglycaemia and lidocain with a change in the excitability of the muscle membrane. The pathophysiological mechanism of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis is discussed in terms of the release by the combination of these two drugs. It has not previously been reported that "Ambene" can provoke a hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. This is a severe side effect because of the resulting cardiac and respiratory problems.

• Authors: K Wessel, F Schumm, J Peiffer, W Schlote
• Journal: Der Nervenarzt (Nervenarzt) Vol. 56 Issue 12 Pg. 696-702 (Dec 1985) ISSN: 0028-2804 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Hypokaliämische periodische Lähmung provoziert durch "Ambene".
• PMID: 2936967 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Drug Combinations
• Aminopyrine
• Dexamethasone
• aminopyrine, dexamethasone, phenylbutazone, thiamine, vitamin B12 drug combination
• Phenylbutazone
• Vitamin B 12
• Potassium
• Thiamine

Topics

• Adult
• Aminopyrine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Back Pain (drug therapy)
• Dexamethasone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (chemically induced)
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Male
• Muscles (drug effects)
• Paralyses, Familial Periodic (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Phenylbutazone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Potassium (blood)
• Thiamine (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Vitamin B 12 (adverse effects, therapeutic use)