Acute Severe Hypokalemia Caused by Treatment of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Docetaxel and Cisplatin: A Case Report

This case report details a patient with tongue squamous cell carcinoma who experienced acute severe hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia during chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin. The patient's potassium level dropped to 1.85 mmol/L, causing muscle weakness, but treatment with potassium and magnesium supplements restored normal electrolyte levels and muscle strength. The report suggests that docetaxel may cause severe hypokalemia by increasing potassium transfer into cells, though the mechanism is unclear. It underscores the need for individualized chemotherapy regimens and vigilant monitoring of electrolyte levels to prevent severe side effects.