Acute hypokalaemic quadriparesis in dengue fever

Abstract

The authors report acute hypokalaemic quadriparesis in two young patients that occurred during dengue epidemic in 2010 in India. Both patients developed flexic type of pure motor weakness in all four limbs without bladder bowel involvement, following 2 to 3 days of fever and malaise. Higher mental functions were normal. Serum potassium level was very low; 2-2.5 m mol/l. Non-structural protein (NS1)-antigen and immunoglobulin M-antibody for dengue were positive in both patients. Both patients improved with potassium supplementation. In follow-up, they are doing well.