Severe hypokalemia in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.
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.
Miller
D
D
Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
delCastillo
J
J
Tsang
T K
TK
D000328:Adult; D002641:Chicago; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010245:Paralyses, Familial Periodic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications*
D011188:Potassium