Hypokalemia due to barium carbonate intoxication.
- Author:
Sang Soo BAE
1
;
Sung Ro YUN
;
Byung Hyun YOO
;
Sang Bum KANG
;
Hye Kyung BAE
;
Hye Soo KIM
;
Suk Yung KIM
;
Byung Kee BANG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Barium carbonate;
Intoxication;
Hypokalemia
- MeSH:
Barium*;
Carbon*;
Diarrhea;
Eating;
Extracellular Space;
Humans;
Hypokalemia*;
Intracellular Space;
Ions;
Muscle Weakness;
Paralysis;
Potassium;
Potassium Channels;
Vomiting
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2000;58(4):477-482
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Barium carbonate is commonly used rodenticidally and industrially, but intoxication has been uncommonly reported. Muscle weakness and hypokalemia are the characteristic features of barium carbonate intoxication. Barium-induced hypokalemia is due to a rapid and large transfer of potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space resulting from blocking potassium channels by barium ions. We report 35 cases of barium carbonate intoxication which developed after accidental ingestion of barium poisoned noodle. All patients developed severe hypokalemic paralysis and some degree of vomiting and diarrhea. We managed these patients with aggressive potassium supplementation and all patients were discharged without any sequelae.
