Hypokalaemic paralysis in malnourished children.

Six malnourished children presenting with acute flaccid paralysis caused by hypokalaemia are described. Their ages ranged from 6 to 36 months. The extent of paralysis varied from neck flop to quadriparesis. Two cases had respiratory paralysis requiring ventilatory support for 48-72 hours. All were successfully treated with potassium supplementation. Hypokalaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis in malnourished children.