Lactic acidosis associated with the usual theophylline dose in a patient with asthma.
- Author:
Young Ill KOH
1
;
Inseon S CHOI
Author Information
1. Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University College of Medicine and Research Institute of Medical Science, Kwangju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Asthma;
Hyperglycemia;
Hypokalemia;
Acidosis;
Lactic;
Theophylline
- MeSH:
Acidosis, Lactic/*chemically induced;
Adult;
Asthma/drug therapy;
Bronchodilator Agents/administration & dosage/*adverse effects;
Case Report;
Female;
Human;
Hyperglycemia/chemically induced;
Hypokalemia/etiology;
Tachycardia, Sinus/chemically induced;
Theophylline/administration & dosage/*adverse effects
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
2002;17(2):147-149
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia, hyperglycemia and lactic acidosis, are associated with theophylline overdose. However, we report an unusual case of sinus tachycardia, lactic acidosis, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia associated with the usual theophylline dose in a patient with asthma. The theophylline dose was 200 mg orally twice daily. Three hours after administration of the third dose, the patient experienced palpitation. An electrocardiogram showed a sinus tachycardia. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed a mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. Serum lactate level was 51 mmol/L (normal 0.7~2.1 mmol/L). Biochemistry results were sodium 136 mEq/L, chloride 99 mEq/L, potassium 1.9 mEq/L and glucose 204 mg/dL. Our case suggests that a possibility of theophylline-associated metabolic abnormalities should be considered when an asthmatic patient given the usual theophylline dose presents with lactic acidosis, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia of unknown etiology.
