Correcting hypokalaemia in a paediatric patient with Bartter syndromethrough oral dose of potassium chloride intravenous solution

摘要

Bartter syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized byhypokalaemia. Hypokalaemia is defined as low serum potassium concentration ˂3.5mmol/L, which may lead to arrhythmia and death if left untreated. The aim ofthis case report was to normalize serum potassium concentration without the needfor intravenous intervention. A 5-month-old male of 2.7 kg body weight diagnosedwith Bartter syndrome was admitted to the general paediatric ward with acutesevere hypokalaemia and urinary tract infection. The main challenge was theinability to administer drugs through intravenous route due to compromised bodysize. Therefore, we shifted the route of administration to the nasogastrictube/oral route. A total of 2 mL of concentrated intravenous potassium chloride(4 mEq potassium) were dissolved in distilled water and administered throughnasogastric tube. Serum potassium concentration was rapidly normalized, whichculminated in patient discharge. In conclusion, shifting drug administrationfrom intravenous to oral route in a paediatric patient with Bartter syndromeincludes numerous advantages such as patient convenience, minimized risk ofcannula-induced infection, and reduced nurse workload.