Hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis in a child due to amphotericin B therapy

Eur J Pediatr. 2007 Feb;166(2):169-71. doi: 10.1007/s00431-006-0208-y. Epub 2006 Aug 12.

Abstract

Hypokalemia can result in life-threatening complications if not treated appropriately. Although hypokalemia is a frequent adverse effect of amphotericin B therapy, there are no reports in the pediatric literature on hypokalemia-associated rhabdomyolysis induced by this drug. A ten-year-old boy with a history of one week amphotericin B treatment was admitted with weakness of the lower extremities, inability to walk and calf pain. Laboratory tests showed a serum potassium of 1.7 mEq/L and a serum creatinine phosphokinase of 3937 U/L plus myoglobulinuria. Following fluid expansion and intravenous potassium replacement, the patient progressed to achieve full regression of muscular weakness after one week. This report highlights hypokalemia as a rare cause of rhabdomyolysis. Patients on amphotericin B should be checked for this rare yet potentially life-threatening complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / adverse effects*
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypokalemia / complications
  • Hypokalemia / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / complications
  • Rhabdomyolysis / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amphotericin B