C C Appel1, T D Myles. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 1400 Wallace Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA. sue@cortex.ama.ttuhsc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Excessive ingestion of caffeine can induce hypokalemia, which affects the neuromuscular system and can lead to paralysis. CASE: A 24-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2-0-0-2 at 33 weeks' gestation presented with muscular paralysis and hypokalemia secondary to drinking 6 to 7 L of cola per day with little other oral intake. After potassium replacement and stopping caffeine ingestion, the symptoms resolved quickly. CONCLUSION: The physiologic changes of pregnancy might potentiate the effect of caffeine on serum potassium concentration.
BACKGROUND: Excessive ingestion of caffeine can induce hypokalemia, which affects the neuromuscular system and can lead to paralysis. CASE: A 24-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2-0-0-2 at 33 weeks' gestation presented with muscular paralysis and hypokalemia secondary to drinking 6 to 7 L of cola per day with little other oral intake. After potassium replacement and stopping caffeine ingestion, the symptoms resolved quickly. CONCLUSION: The physiologic changes of pregnancy might potentiate the effect of caffeine on serum potassium concentration.