Question
A newborn has been diagnosed with a small congenital hypokalemia. What are the common symptoms of this condition, and is there a possibility of cure?
Answer
Congenital hypokalemia is a severe condition caused by defects in ion channels on the cell membrane, leading to low extracellular potassium ion concentration. Symptoms may include limb pain and sensory abnormalities before the onset of the disease, followed by progressive symmetrical weakness or paralysis in the limbs, with the lower limbs being more severe than the upper limbs and the proximal parts more severe than the distal parts. Paralyzed limbs exhibit reduced muscle tone and weakened or absent tendon reflexes, accompanied by limb soreness and tingling sensations. In rare cases, respiratory paralysis, urinary retention, tachycardia or bradycardia, irregular heartbeat, and blood pressure drop may occur, even posing a threat to life. Treatment primarily involves potassium supplementation, but congenital diseases often have a difficult time healing spontaneously.