[Hypokalaemia and paralysis: think about the thyroid].

Abstract

Periodic hypokalemic paralysis can be of genetic origin or secondary to other causes of hypokalaemia. The thyreotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) usually occurs among asian subjects. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency which may lead to life-threatening complications due to hypokalaemia and muscle weakness. The potassium supplementation is followed by a complete recovery after a few hours. We underlined the interest of thyroid assays in patients having an acute muscular paralysis associated with hypokalaemia.

• Authors: M C Balde, E H Adrar, K Bechara, J Prinseau, A Baglin, T Hanslik
• Journal: La Revue de medecine interne (Rev Med Interne) Vol. 29 Issue 2 Pg. 155-7 (Feb 2008) ISSN: 0248-8663 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Hypokaliémie et paralysie: penser à la thyroïde.
• PMID: 17976865 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Hyperthyroidism (complications, diagnosis)
• Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (etiology)
• Male
• Muscle Weakness (etiology)
• Thyrotoxicosis (complications, diagnosis)