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Giardiasis as a cause of hypokalemic myopathy in congenital immunodeficiency

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International Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Research

Abstract

Hypokalemic myopathy may occur in several infections. We report a case of severe and transient myopathy secondary to hypokalemia induced by chronic intenstinal infection withGiardia lamblia in a patient with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia. Hypokalemic myopathy is documented by serum enzymes, electromyography (reduction in the number of voluntarily activated motor unit action potentials and an increase in polyphasic motor unit action potentials, and pathological changes (hematoxylin-eosin, ATPase staining). The case reported involves hypokalemic myopathy induced by giardiasis in a patient with primary immunodeficiency; the histopathological changes observed in a skin/muscle biopsy from this patient are described for the first time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, I-80131, Naples, Italy

    A. Geovese, G. Spadaro, A. M. Onorati & G. Marone

  2. Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Naples Federico II, School of Medicine, I-80131, Naples, Italy

    L. Santoro

  3. Stazione Climatica Bianchi, Portici, Naples, Italy

    P. Gasparo Rippa

Authors
  1. A. Geovese
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  2. G. Spadaro
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  3. L. Santoro
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  4. P. Gasparo Rippa
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  5. A. M. Onorati
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  6. G. Marone
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Geovese, A., Spadaro, G., Santoro, L. et al. Giardiasis as a cause of hypokalemic myopathy in congenital immunodeficiency. Int J Clin Lab Res 26, 132–135 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02592356

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02592356

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