Hypokalaemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in an Asian man in the United Kingdom.
A large number of ethnic Chinese and other oriental populations are living in the West because of the modern day migration of people. Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis attributable to thyrotoxicosis is a common presentation in an Asian emergency department. It is uncommon in the white communities. There is a difference in the genetic type in the different racial groups. Thyrotoxic features are often masked or absent. Life may be threatened because of severe hypokalaemia and therefore a prompt diagnosis of this condition in the certain ethnic group presenting with weakness and hypokalaemia is essential. Thyroid function studies are mandatory in these cases.
Sinharay
R
R
Department of Medicine, Tameside General Hospital, Fountain Street, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire OL6 9RW, UK. ranjitsinharay@hotmail.com
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002231:Carbimazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004630:Emergencies; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D014744:Vietnam / Q000208:ethnology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D002231:Carbimazole; D011188:Potassium