Severe hypokalemia in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.

Abstract

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is an uncommon but sometimes fatal disease in which early recognition and therapy may prevent untoward complications. The case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who presented to the emergency department with rapidly progressive profound weakness and severe hypokalemia (serum potassium, 1.2 mEq/L) is presented. The patient required endotracheal intubation, ventilatory assistance, and intravenous potassium administration. Emergency medical evaluation and management of this entity are discussed.

• Authors: D Miller, J delCastillo, T K Tsang
• Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine (Am J Emerg Med) Vol. 7 Issue 6 Pg. 584-7 (Nov 1989) ISSN: 0735-6757 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2803352 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Potassium

Topics

• Adult
• Chicago
• China (ethnology)
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (blood, drug therapy, etiology)
• Male
• Paralyses, Familial Periodic (diagnosis, therapy)
• Potassium (blood, therapeutic use)
• Thyrotoxicosis (complications)