Question

A 22-year-old girl presents with sudden onset of diffuse abdominal pain; it is accompanied with malaise, vomiting, thirst, irritability and the appearance of dark-colored urine. The symptoms appeared 2 days ago when she was hiking in the mountains with her friends. During that period of time, she was exposed to rather strenuous physical effort; food intake was irregular and inadequate. She experienced similar symptoms 5 years ago; a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria was established, but the attacks of the disease did not recur again until now.

Physical examination reveals a restless, dehydrated, averagely nourished person; there is also sinus tachycardia (heart rate 97 beats/minute) and epigastric tenderness on palpation. Blood pressure is 140/95 mm Hg, and Chvostek's sign is positive; the remainder of the physical examination is normal. During the examination, she suddenly develops a seizure.


What electrolyte abnormality is most likely to result in seizure in the patient with acute intermittent porphyia?
A Hyperkalemia
B Hyponatremia
C Hypercalcemia
D Hyperphosphatemia

Answer 1

The electrolyte abnormality most likely to result in a seizure in a patient with acute intermittent porphyria is hyponatremia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electrolyte abnormality most likely to result in a seizure in a patient with acute intermittent porphyria is Hyponatremia. Acute intermittent porphyria is a condition that affects the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin. During an acute attack, the body cannot synthesize heme properly, leading to the build-up of porphyrins, which can cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Sodium, as an important electrolyte, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluid inside and outside of cells in the body. When sodium levels become too low, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to seizures.