Hypokalemic quadriparesis in dengue

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Dengue virus is a significant global health threat, prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas.
• Common dengue complications include hematological abnormalities, shock, and organ failure.
• Neurological complications of dengue are increasingly recognized, though still considered uncommon.

Observation:

• This report details an unusual case of a patient experiencing hypokalemic quadriparesis concurrently with dengue infection.
• The patient presented with neurological deficits indicative of severe potassium imbalance and muscle weakness.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rare neurological manifestation of dengue fever, specifically hypokalemic quadriparesis.
• Despite the severity of the neurological symptoms, the patient experienced a favorable recovery.

Implications:

• This case adds to the growing body of evidence supporting dengue virus neurotropism.
• Understanding rare neurological complications like hypokalemic quadriparesis is crucial for comprehensive dengue management.
• Further research into the mechanisms of dengue-induced neurological dysfunction is warranted.