J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2009 Dec;5(2):99-102. 10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.99.

Fatal Fluctuation of Serum Potassium Level during Barbiturate Coma Therapy

• Sohn S
• Park CK

• KMID: 1427366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.99

Abstract

Severe hypokalemia and rebound hyperkalemia is rare side effect of barbiturate. The authors report an experience of life-threatening fluctuation of serum potassium level from barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) in severe brain injury patient. A 54-year-old man falling from a golf-cart suffered multiple hemorrhagic contusion and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was treated with barbiturate coma therapy conservatively for 20 hours. One hour after cessation of barbiturate infusion, cardiac arrest happened. Meanwhile serum potassium level was 1.5 mmol/L. 24 hours after discontinuation of barbiturate, another asystole occurred, and the serum potassium level was 8.5 mmol/L. This rare side effect of barbiturate is mediated by transcellular shift of potassium. Clinicians should monitor closely the electrolyte balance during barbiturate infusion, and possibility of rebound hyperkalemia after the cessation must be borne in mind.

Keyword

Hypokalemia; Hyperkalemia; Barbiturate; Head trauma

MeSH Terms

Barbiturates
Brain Injuries
Coma
Contusions
Craniocerebral Trauma
Heart Arrest
Humans
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Potassium
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Traumatic
Water-Electrolyte Balance
Barbiturates
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Potassium

Figure

• 

  FIGURE 1 Time course changes in serum potassium level with cumulative potassium intake (A), arterial blood pH (B), and body temperature (C).

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