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Life-Threatening Hypokalemic Quadriparesis in a Patient with Acute Appendicitis

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Abstract

Acute hypokalemic paralysis is a reversible but potentially lethal clinical condition. We report a case of sudden onset of quadriparesis postoperatively following laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. On evaluation, he was found to have hypokalemia with normal sodium and chloride levels. This severe hypokalemia-induced quadriparesis was precipitated by pre-op vomiting, loose stools, and repeated loose stools in the postoperative period. Quadriparesis typically recovered when potassium levels returned to normal. Management plan includes appropriate diagnosis and potassium replacement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lakshmi Nursing Home, New Bridge Road, Bhadravathi, Karnataka, 577301, India

    Chemuru Munisekhar Reddy & H. K. Ramakrishna

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  1. Chemuru Munisekhar Reddy
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  2. H. K. Ramakrishna
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Correspondence to Chemuru Munisekhar Reddy.

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Reddy, C.M., Ramakrishna, H.K. Life-Threatening Hypokalemic Quadriparesis in a Patient with Acute Appendicitis. Indian J Surg 85, 1290–1291 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03708-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-023-03708-0

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