The American Journal of Emergency Medicine 2009-06-01

Rodenticide poisoning as a cause of quadriparesis: a rare entity.

Pallawi Torka, Rajeev Sharma, Rita Sood

Index: Am. J. Emerg. Med. 27(5) , 625.e1-3, (2009)

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Abstract

Acute flaccid paralysis with its wide repertoire of causes presents a challenge to the clinician. We present a case of barium carbonate poisoning, a rare yet easily treatable cause of acute quadriparesis. Barium acts by redistribution of potassium from the extra- to intravascular compartment causing hypokalemia. Early recognition and prompt potassium supplementation under cardiac monitoring yield gratifying results.