Korean J Med.
2014 Nov;87(5):625-629. 10.3904/kjm.2014.87.5.625.
Glucocorticoid Triggers an Attack of Periodic Hypokalemic Paralysis during Treatment for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jhbyun37@catholic.ac.kr
- KMID: 2269208
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2014.87.5.625
Abstract
- Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder characterized by sudden onset of weakness and low serum potassium levels. We report a case provoked by combination chemotherapy including prednisolone. A 23-yr-man, diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, received chemotherapy. He developed significant weakness in upper and lower extremities during chemotherapy, and his serum potassium level was 1.7 mmol/L. Potassium replacement restored the weakness. Further workup revealed that prednisolone had provoked hypokalemic paralysis. As prednisolone triggered an attack of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, it should be administered with caution, particularly in patients with periodic paralysis.
