Potassium disturbances as a cause of metabolic neuromyopathy.

Abstract

We report two cases of ascending muscular weakness progressing to areflexic quadriplegia caused by severe derangement of potassium homeostasis. The first patient presented with a 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency and severe hypokalemia. The second case had primary adrenocortical deficiency (Addison's disease) and extreme hyperkalemia. Complete recovery ensued after correction of the metabolic disorder in both cases. The role of potassium in the pathophysiology of neuromuscular excitation is discussed. We conclude that when neuromyopathy is present, metabolic causes should be considered and the serum potassium determined.

• Authors: C Villabona, P Rodriguez, J Joven, P Costa, J Avila, M Valdes
• Journal: Intensive care medicine (Intensive Care Med) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 208-10 ( 1987) ISSN: 0342-4642 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3495559 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Potassium

Topics

• Addison Disease (complications)
• Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital
• Adult
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (complications)
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Hypotonia (etiology)
• Neuromuscular Diseases (etiology)
• Potassium (blood)
• Quadriplegia (etiology)
• Reflex, Abnormal (etiology)