Hyperemesis Gravidarum With Paraparesis and Tetany

Subacute-onset muscle weakness can result from channelopathies, inflammatory myopathies, thyroid dysfunction, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and dyselectrolytemias like hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. We report a curious and extremely rare case of a 29-year-old woman with hyperemesis gravidarum presenting with disabling muscle weakness involving her lower limbs and trunk, and concurrent features of tetany. Following voluminous vomiting over the last two months, she presented with history of weakness of her lower limbs of 14 days duration, resulting in difficulty in her getting out of bed or walking unassisted. On examination, she was hypotensive (80/60 mmHg) and tachycardic (110 bpm), with flaccid weakness of her lower limbs (proximal weakness more than distal weakness - power of 1/5 at the hips bilaterally, and 3/5 at the knees and ankles bilaterally) and diminished deep tendon reflexes. She also had positive Trousseau’s sign and Chvostek’s sign. Interestingly, she also had thinned-out bluish sclerae, a high-arched palate, short stature, and bilateral conductive hearing loss. Laboratory evaluation revealed anemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypochloremia, hypophosphatemia, and low vitamin D levels. Electrocardiogram showed prolonged QT interval. Her thyroid function test and parathyroid levels were normal. With parenteral replenishment of the electrolytes and vitamin D, her power improved and she was discharged on oral supplements. Thus, this case report demonstrates the importance of aggressive, early, and adequate management of hyperemesis gravidarum to prevent dyselectrolytemia-associated paraparesis.