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Case Reports
. 2011 Feb;117(2 Pt 2):433-435.
doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182009d79.

Betamethasone-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis in pregnancy

Corey M Teagarden  1 , Carla W Picardo
Affiliations
Case Reports

Betamethasone-induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis in pregnancy

Corey M Teagarden et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Acute hypokalemic periodic paralysis may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy.

Case: A healthy 23-year-old gravid woman at 32 weeks of gestation with preterm premature rupture of membranes received two doses of 12-mg intramuscular betamethasone 24 hours apart to accelerate fetal lung maturation. She developed significant proximal muscle weakness within 16 hours after the initial dose. Her serum potassium was 1.6 mEq/L. Oral and parenteral potassium replacement restored her neuromuscular function over several days. She delivered by repeat cesarean at 34 weeks of gestation without complications for her or the neonate.

Conclusion: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a rare cause of weakness, may be induced by betamethasone injections during pregnancy and is reversible with low-risk interventions.

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References

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