Title: Study of Changes in the Serum Potassium Concentration after Thiopental in Childrens

Authors: Dr Gadipal Singh Rajput, Dr H.M Ujjainiya, Dr Rajesh Gaur

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i10.31

Abstract

Potassium is distributed throughout the body. It is concentrated mainly within the cell as the predominant cation. The kidney plays an important role in regulation of potassium levels. This study was undertaken with the aim of staying the behaviour pattern of serum potassium after thiopental. The clinical manifestations of hypokalaemia do not usually occur until the serum potassium has fallen below 2.5 mEq/L. The predominant sign is muscular weakness resulting into a picture of dyspnea patients exhibiting 'Fish mouth breathing'. All patients were belonging to paediatric children age group ranging from 4 to 17 years. Thiopental produce small, but statistically highly significant decrease in serum potassium in pediatric age group.

References

  1. HS, Cho BM, Kang JH, Kim MK, Oh SM, Park SH. Efficacy of low dose barbiturate coma therapy for the patients with intractable intracranial hypertension using the bispectral index monitoring. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2010;47:252–257. 
  2. Neil MJ, Dale MC. Hypokalaemia with severe rebound hyperkalaemia after therapeutic barbiturate coma. Anesth Analg. 2009;108:1867–1868. 
  3. Ng SY, Chin KJ, Kwek TK. Dyskalaemia associated with thiopentone barbiturate coma for refractory intracranial hypertension : a case series. Intensive Care Med. 2011;37:1285–1289. 
  4. Machata AM, Gonano C, Bîrsan T, Zimpfer M, Spiss CK. Rare but dangerous adverse effects of propofol and thiopental in intensive care. J Trauma. 2005;58:643–645. 
  5. Shin IW, Sohn JT, Choi JY, Lee HK, Lee CH, Chung YK. Cardiac arrest due to Severe hypokalemia during barbiturate coma therapy in a patient with severe acute head injury : a case report. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2006;50:S71–S73.
  6. Weiner WJ, Goetz CG, Nausieda PA, et al. Respiratory dyskinesia: extrapyramidal dysfunction and dyspnea. Ann Intern Med 1978; 88:327-31.

Corresponding Author

Dr H.M Ujjainiya

Government Medical College, Datia, M.P, India