Fulminant hyperkalaemia and multiple complications following ibuprofen overdose

D G Menzies1, A G Conn, I J Williamson

  • 1Regional Poisoning Treatment Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Summary

A severe ibuprofen overdose in a teenager caused a hypermetabolic state, respiratory failure, and dangerous hyperkalemia. Prompt treatment of potassium levels resolved the cardiac arrhythmia, but lung abnormalities persisted.

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