DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS IN PATIENTS OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Hypokalemic paralysis is an important reversible cause of acute accid paralysis. Severe hypokalemia if not managed appropriately can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of nding the causes of hypokalemic paralysis in the study population. A cross sectional study was done from January 2019 to January 2021 inMaterials and Methods: the patients admitted in the Department of Nephrology, Thanjavur Medical College, Tamil Nadu. Systematic random sampling method was followed and every fth patient admitted with documented serum potassium levels of <3.5mEq/L and acute onset of accid weakness was included in the study till a minimum sample size of 50 was reached. Most of the study participants, 16 (32%) had dRTA (distal renal tubularResults: acidosis) followed by SPP (sporadic periodic paralysi) in 14 (28%). Gitelman syndrome (GS) was found in 9 (18%), Bartter syndrome (BS) in 4 (8%), thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) in 4 (8%) and proximal renal tubular acidosis (pRTA) in 3 (6%) participants. Renal loss ofConclusion: potassium (distal renal tubular acidosis) was the most common cause for hypokalemic paralysis. Early recognition as well as prompt treatment of hypokalemic paralysis will reduce the morbidity and mortality.