Hypokalemic respiratory muscle paralysis following Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection: a case report
da Silva, O.A.; Amaral, C.F.; da Silveira, J.C.; López, M.; Pittella, J.E.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 30(1): 69-73
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 7212173 Document Number: 174417
Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in a malnourished 6-year-old boy was characterized by severe diarrhoea, dehydration and marked hypokalaemia, followed by acute respiratory failure due to respiratory muscle paralysis, and cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and maintained with positive pressure ventilation and intravenous infusion of potassium and gluco-saline solution. These measures produced recovery from the respiratory muscle paralysis. Stool examination revealed eggs and numerous larvae of S. stercoralis, and thiabendazole was initiated. He continued to have severe diarrhoea and again developed marked hypokalaemia with respiratory muscle paralysis, abdominal distention, and cardiac arrhythmias with cardiac arrest episodes. In spite of fluid and electrolyte replacement the patient died. [AS].