A Case of Dengue Fever Presenting Hypokalaemic Paralysis - A Rare Manifestation of a Common Disease

Tanmay Jain, Mudassir Ahmed, Sami Holia, Dr. Jayesh J. Dutt, Dr. Ebrahim Malek

Abstract: Potassium is the major intracellular cation. It plays a role in membrane stability and function. Its deficiency can impair neuromuscular communication, potentially causing paralysis with diminished or absent reflexes in muscles. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection, highly prevalent in India and among crowded and low socio-economic classes. It is characterized by sudden onset of high-grade fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and in some cases bleeding. Complications include circulatory failure, encephalopathy, cardiomyopathy, renal failure, pleural effusion, and ARDS. Discussed is a rare presentation of dengue fever in the form of hypokalaemic paralysis.

Keywords: Dengue fever, Hypokalaemia, Areflexic paralysis