Mancini Andrea, Losciale Ilaria, Petrillo Claudio, Ficarella Romina, Arnesano Loredana, Carella Angela, Colucci Giuseppina, Conte Michele, Coviello Nicola, Loizzo Giuliana, Pietanza Stefania, Prisciandaro Concetta, Schinaia Paola, Spadavecchia Franco, Tarantino Giuseppe, Vernò Lucia, D'Elia Filomena
UOC di Nefrologia e Dialisi Ospedale di Venere, Bari.
AOUC Nefrologia, Dialisi e Trapianto Policlinico di Bari.
G Ital Nefrol. 2024 Dec 23;41(6):2024-vol6. doi: 10.69097/41-06-2024-08.
Hypokalemia is among the most common electrolyte abnormalities, often well tolerated, but sometimes responsible for an increase in morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular causes. The kidneys play a key role in potassium homeostasis, making the nephrologist the professional directly involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. We present the clinical case of a 24-year-old man who came in with multiple episodes of emesis and hyperpyrexia. The patient rapidly developed severe hypokalemia with ascending flaccid paralysis. Despite early treatment with potassium chloride, intensive therapy was necessary to manage the complications. The clinical case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered and demonstrates how a multidisciplinary approach and a thorough diagnostic process, including genetic testing, identified a heterozygous mutation in the CACNA1S gene, confirming the diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis type I. The importance of early recognition and appropriate management of hypokalemia is emphasized to prevent potentially fatal complications.