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Acute fatal ventricular arrhythmia induced by severe hyperkalemia in a toddler with decompensated methylmalonic
Zahra Hakimzadeh1, Abolfazl Gilani2, Parsa Yousefichaijan3
1Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
Methylmalonic acidemia is a very rare genetic metabolic disease. Patients with isolated methylmalonic acidemia typically present with acute alterations of consciousness, failure to thrive, anorexia, vomiting, respiratory distress, and muscular hypotonia. Despite the evidence-based management, affected individuals experience significant morbidity and mortality. Hyperkalemia is one of the unusual complications of methylmalonic acidemia.
Case Presentation:
In this paper, we describe a 4-year-old Persian boy with methylmalonic acidemia who developed life-threatening arrhythmia following severe hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Emergent management of the condition was successfully carried out, and the rhythm changed to normal sinus rhythm by effectively reducing the serum potassium level. We discuss the possible etiology of this lethal condition and describe its management on the basis of the available evidence.
Conclusion:
During metabolic decompensation in methylmalonic acidemia, frequent blood gas and electrolyte testing to prescribe and adjust therapy and annual echocardiogram and electrocardiogram screening are essential.
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