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VOL. 7, ISSUE 10 (2021)
Severe neonatal hyperkalemia presenting as life threatening arrhythmias in the pediatric emergency department: Case report
Authors
Abdullah Mohammed Kamel, Ismail Ibrahim Sabei, Abdullah Yahya Akkam, Faisal Rajeh Alrouki, Mohammed Fayez Jaber
Abstract
Context: Severe hyperkalemia is rarely seen in newborns, especially with critically high serum potassium. Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition; it requires early recognition and aggressive treatment. Severe hyperkalemia leads to a life-threatening arrhythmia and asystole. Objective: To report a case of a newborn infant with vomiting, history of lethargy, decreased feeding and activity, and infected skin lesions in the face. The case was reported with severe life-threatening neonatal hyperkalemia (K 12.7 mmol/L) and associated with ventricular tachycardia converted by synchronized cardioversion. Ultimately diagnosed with pseudohypoaldosteronism. Patient: This case was presented to the ED at the age of 14 days in septic shock. There was a family history of infant death. A two boys' siblings died during infancy after being diagnosed with autosomal recessive Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1(PHA1). Our patient had ventricular tachycardia in ED due to severe hyperkalemia; while receiving fluid boluses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hyperkalemia treatment, and synchronized cardioversion were initiated. After stabilization, diagnostic workup demonstrated persistently low sodium, metabolic acidosis, and high potassium, which may require dialysis. Based on these results and family history, the patient was diagnosed with PHA1. Conclusions and Outcome: This case highlights the significant hyperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disorder and the vital cause of arrhythmias and a medical emergency that require urgent intervention in newborns and infants. Prompt treatment of hyperkalemia is imperative to prevent the further development of fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
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Pages:1-4
How to cite this article:
Abdullah Mohammed Kamel, Ismail Ibrahim Sabei, Abdullah Yahya Akkam, Faisal Rajeh Alrouki, Mohammed Fayez Jaber "Severe neonatal hyperkalemia presenting as life threatening arrhythmias in the pediatric emergency department: Case report ". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 7, Issue 10, 2021, Pages 1-4
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