Caffeine-induced hypokalemic paralysis in pregnancy

Background: Excessive ingestion oi: 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 p resented with muscular paralysis and hypokalemia secondary to drinking 6 to 7 L of cola per day with little other oral intake. After potassium replace ment and stopping caffeine ingestion, the symptoms resolved quickly. Conclusion: The physiologic changes of pregnancy might potentiate the effec t of caffeine on serum potassium concentration. (C) 2001 by The American Co llege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.