Ascending Flaccid Paralysis Secondary to Hypokalemia in A Cancer Patient using Abiraterone - A Case Report

Curr Drug Saf. 2023;18(1):107-111. doi: 10.2174/1574886317666220425140053.

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of neoplasm in men and the fourth leading cause of mortality in Brazil. The prostate cancer refractory metastatic castration can be treated with abiraterone acetate (AA).

Case presentation: Its use has been associated with increased survival. However, there are also side effects associated with the use of this drug, such as severe electrolyte disturbances.

Conclusion: The objective is to report the clinical case of a patient with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer who developed ascending flaccid paralysis secondary to severe hypokalemia, probably due to hyperaldosteronism secondary to the use of Abiraterone Acetate, despite the use of Prednisone.

Keywords: Abiraterone acetate; case report; electrolyte disturbances; hypokalemia; paralysis; prostate neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abiraterone Acetate / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia* / chemically induced
  • Hypokalemia* / diagnosis
  • Hypokalemia* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Paralysis / chemically induced
  • Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Prednisone
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / pathology

Substances

  • Abiraterone Acetate
  • abiraterone
  • Prednisone