Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

Accidental intravenous bolus infusion of potassium chloride in a young man with hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Seyed Hesam Rahmani 1
Gholamreza Faridaalaee 2

1 Emergency Medicine Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

2 Emergency Medicine Department, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran

https://doi.org/10.15171/jept.2017.34
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, 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.

Keywords

Hypokalemic paralysis
Hyperkalemia
Potassium chloride
Subjects
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Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma
Volume 5, Issue 1
January 2019
Pages 29-31

  • Receive Date 08 September 2017
  • Revise Date 12 November 2017
  • Accept Date 12 November 2017

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