How High Can You Get: A Case Report of an Unusual Cause of Ascending Paralysis

Secondary hyperkalemic paralysis is a life-threatening manifestation of hyperkalemia seen with a potassium level of 7 or above 7 milliequivalents per liter (Meq/L) in an acute or chronic state. Standard hyperkalemic treatment should be initiated upon diagnosis with emergency dialysis in refractory c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2022-01, Vol.14 (1), p.e21236
Main Authors: Bangolo, Ayrton I, Pender, Sarah, Sajja, Chandini, Matassa, Daniel, Perrella, Benjamin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Internal Medicine
Nephrology
Oncology
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Summary:Secondary hyperkalemic paralysis is a life-threatening manifestation of hyperkalemia seen with a potassium level of 7 or above 7 milliequivalents per liter (Meq/L) in an acute or chronic state. Standard hyperkalemic treatment should be initiated upon diagnosis with emergency dialysis in refractory cases. Here we present the case of a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compliant with dialysis three times a week. The patient presented with generalized ascending flaccid paralysis and was found to have serum potassium of 9.6 Meq/L. Spontaneous resolution of the paralysis was observed shortly after the completion of one hemodialysis session. The goal of this case report is to raise awareness of a life-threatening complication of electrolyte imbalances in ESRD even in patients that are compliant with dialysis.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.21236