Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia in a patient with multiple sclerosis

Michael Levine; David F M Brown

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.06.062

Succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia in a patient with multiple sclerosis

J Emerg Med. 2012 Aug;43(2):279-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.06.062. Epub 2011 Dec 3.

Authors

Michael Levine¹, David F M Brown

Affiliation

¹ Department of Emergency Medicine, Section of Medical Toxicology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.

PMID: 22142672
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.06.062

Abstract

Background: Succinylcholine administration is associated with hyperkalemia in patients with a variety of medical conditions, including many neuromuscular disorders. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of literature describing hyperkalemia after the administration of succinylcholine to patients with multiple sclerosis.

Case report: This case report describes a 38-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed life-threatening hyperkalemia after the administration of succinylcholine during rapid sequence intubation.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic hyperkalemia after succinylcholine in patients with neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Dyspnea / etiology
Dyspnea / therapy
Female
Humans
Hyperkalemia / chemically induced*
Hyperkalemia / drug therapy
Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects
Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
Muscle Weakness / etiology
Succinylcholine / adverse effects*
Upper Extremity

Substances

Succinylcholine