Paralysis due to renal potassium wasting : an unusual presentation of leptospirosis

Renal involvement in leptospirosis and its association with hypokalaemia is known to occur. Hypokalaemia may lead to paralysis. Herein such a case of hypokalaemic paralysis in leptospirosis is being reported. A 45-years-old male presented with 16 hours duration of myalgia, conjunctival suffusion, progressive flaccid quadriparesis, respiratory muscle weakness and dysphasia. Forty-eight hours later, he developed fever, oliguria and abnormal liver function test. Laboratory investigations showed severe hypokalaemia and serological evidence of leptospirosis. He was treated with intravenous potasium, crystalline penicillin and other supportive measures. He recovered comletely within a week.