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Betamethasone-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis in pregnancy.

Author(s): Teagarden CM, Picardo CW

Affiliation(s): Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.

Publication date & source: 2011-02, Obstet Gynecol., 117(2 Pt 2):433-5.

Publication type: Case Reports

BACKGROUND: Acute hypokalemic periodic paralysis may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy. CASE: A healthy 23-year-old gravid woman at 32 weeks of gestation with preterm premature rupture of membranes received two doses of 12-mg intramuscular betamethasone 24 hours apart to accelerate fetal lung maturation. She developed significant proximal muscle weakness within 16 hours after the initial dose. Her serum potassium was 1.6 mEq/L. Oral and parenteral potassium replacement restored her neuromuscular function over several days. She delivered by repeat cesarean at 34 weeks of gestation without complications for her or the neonate. CONCLUSION: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a rare cause of weakness, may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy and is reversible with low-risk interventions.

Page last updated: 2011-12-09

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