HYPERKALEMIC ASCENDING PARALYSIS

Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disturbance. The clinic al presentation is most commonly related to its effects on cardiac con ductivity and contractility, although weakness and respiratory comprom ise may occur. We describe what we believe to be the first reported ca se of life-threatening hyperkalemia presenting as an ascending paralys is which was associated with standard-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazo le therapy. The patient bad mild, underlying renal disease which predi sposed him to develop hyperkalemia. This case underscores the need to use caution in prescribing trimethoprim to such patients.