Clinical Toxicology
Seyed Hesam Rahmani; Gholamreza Faridaalaee
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 29-31
Abstract
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is anautosomal dominantdisease characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis with a matching fall in blood potassium levels. Paralysis attacks often occur in adolescence and are induced by strenuous exercise followed by rest, high carbohydrateor high sodiummeal content, ...
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Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is anautosomal dominantdisease characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis with a matching fall in blood potassium levels. Paralysis attacks often occur in adolescence and are induced by strenuous exercise followed by rest, high carbohydrateor high sodiummeal content, sudden changes in temperature, and even excitement, noise, flashing lights and cold temperatures. Despite global daily use of intravenous and oral potassium in the treatment of patients, data about intravenous bolus potassium is rare. Here we report a 29-year-old man complaining of weakness in the upper and lower limbs. By initial diagnosis of periodic hypokalemic paralysis, potassium chloride was ordered by oral route. After a few minutes, we heard patient screaming in pain. He complained of severe acute pain in peripheral intravenous line, palpitation and dyspnea. We noticed that potassium chloride vial was infused directly via cubital vein in few minutes erroneously. Physical exam revealed sinus tachycardia and hypertension. We began hyperkalemia treatment immediately. With appropriate treatment,the patient was discharged with good condition after 12 hours of admission.
Trauma
Gholamreza Faridaalaee; Bahman Naghipour; Sajjad Ahmadi; Seyed Hesam Rahmani
Volume 3, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 68-70
Abstract
Carotid artery thrombosis and concomitant brain infarction after blunt trauma are rare conditions. We report a 34-year-old woman with multiple traumas due to pedestrian car accident. At the time of initial visiting, she was somnolent and her Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was 14. Initial vital signs ...
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Carotid artery thrombosis and concomitant brain infarction after blunt trauma are rare conditions. We report a 34-year-old woman with multiple traumas due to pedestrian car accident. At the time of initial visiting, she was somnolent and her Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score was 14. Initial vital signs (V/S) and brain computed tomography (CT) scan were normal. One day after admission to the emergency observation unit, GCS improved to 15 but right-sided hemiparesis occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed brain infarction and Doppler sonography indicated internal carotid artery thrombosis. She was admitted in the Neurosurgery ward and underwent anticoagulant therapy. With appropriate treatment, the patient’s condition improved after 5 days of admission and she was discharged on oral warfarin treatment and close follow up. Although there is no ideal treatment for traumatic internal carotid artery thrombosis, it seems that in most cases anticoagulation therapy is the preferred method of treatment but in some patients surgical or endovascular revascularization is indicated.
Clinical Toxicology
Gholamreza Faridaalaee; Seyed Hesam Rahmani; Amin Mahboubi
Volume 2, Issue 2 , July 2016, , Pages 58-61
Abstract
Cisplatin was the first of the platinum drugs. Second-generation platinum derivative was carboplatin that its efficacy in the treatment of many malignancies is equal to cisplatin, and its toxicity profile is more favorable. Here we report on a 50-year-old woman with a history of cervix cancer who developed ...
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Cisplatin was the first of the platinum drugs. Second-generation platinum derivative was carboplatin that its efficacy in the treatment of many malignancies is equal to cisplatin, and its toxicity profile is more favorable. Here we report on a 50-year-old woman with a history of cervix cancer who developed a severe hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) to carboplatin. She was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath, tachypnea, restless, agitation, and lethargy. On arrival, the patient was hemodynamically unstable; we initiated treatment immediately with hydration, oxygen therapy with mask, hydrocortisone, midazolam, and adrenalin. After 1 hour, BP and O2 sat improved to 100/70 mm Hg and 92% respectively, but there was not any significant improvement in tachycardia as well as tachypnea and she was still lethargic and agitated. Her symptoms improved gradually after 18 hours of admission. She was discharged after 36 hours. HSRs to cisplatin and carboplatin can be potentially life-threatening. The symptoms can range from a mild rash to severe anaphylaxis. Doctors should be aware of these reactions, determine appropriate treatment, and know the cross-reactivity among these drugs.