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Rodenticide poisoning as a cause of quadriparesis: a rare entity.

The American journal of emergency medicine (2009-06-06)
Pallawi Torka, Rajeev Sharma, Rita Sood
ABSTRACT

Acute flaccid paralysis with its wide repertoire of causes presents a challenge to the clinician. We present a case of barium carbonate poisoning, a rare yet easily treatable cause of acute quadriparesis. Barium acts by redistribution of potassium from the extra- to intravascular compartment causing hypokalemia. Early recognition and prompt potassium supplementation under cardiac monitoring yield gratifying results.