Severe Hypokalemic Paralysis Following Rituximab Infusion in a Patient With Microscopic Polyangitis

Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has become an increasingly popular choice for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Various adverse effects have been attributed to the use of rituximab. Hypokalemia is one rare adverse reaction that is under reported in the literature and is life threatening. Here we report the case of a patient with symptomatic hypokalemia after IV rituximab infusion. Acute hypokalemia should be taken into account by healthcare professionals as a possible side effect after rituximab infusion.