Hypokalemic coma: in relation to a case report

Authors

  • Wilber Riverón-Carralero Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Mariana Grajales Cuello”
  • Annalie Fidelina Rondón-Vázquez Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Mariana Grajales Cuello” https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0120-3702
  • Onelis Góngora-Gómez Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas “Mariana Grajales Cuello” https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2301-0645

Keywords:

Hypokalemia, Water-Electrolyte Imbalance, Coma, Consciousness Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: coma is the extreme degradation of consciousness. A syndrome characterized by a loss of vegetative functions, as an expression of acute and severe brain dysfunction.

Presentation of the case: a 65-year-old male patient who two years ago commenced showing signs of loss of consciousness for two days In inter-crisis periods the studies did not confirm positive results. He was brought to the emergency room in a state of hyporeflexic coma. All parameters were normal except for a very discrete metabolic alkalosis and severe hypokalemia with 1,3 millimoles of potassium. General measures and complementary examinations were performed. Potassium values were replenished. As the potassium values standardized, a process of consciousness recovery was initiated. It was interpreted as a hypokalemic coma.

Conclusions: hypopotassemia is a common imbalance, with repercussions in the different systems; this imbalance can result in alterations of the cardiovascular dynamics, progressive muscle weakness and coma. Therefore, in case of symptoms similar to hypokalemia, it is required to work on its diagnosis and treatment.

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Published

2020-01-01

How to Cite

1.
Riverón-Carralero W, Rondón-Vázquez AF, Góngora-Gómez O. Hypokalemic coma: in relation to a case report. Univ. Méd. Pinareña [Internet]. 2020 Jan. 1 [cited 2025 Apr. 15];16(1):e386. Available from: https://revgaleno.sld.cu/index.php/ump/article/view/386

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2020): Enero-Abril

Section

Case report

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