The pitfalls of potassium replacement in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: a case report and review of the literature.
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis is an uncommon disorder seen primarily in Asian males and caused by excessive thyroid hormones. This is an endocrine emergency that can lead to respiratory failure, dysrhythmia, and death. The mainstay of therapy has been potassium replacement, however, recent evidence suggests propranolol is a more effective therapy. We present a severe case of TPP in a 22-year-old Latino male with rapidly progressive ascending paralysis and hypokalemia severe enough to lead to cardiac arrest.
Tassone
Heather
H
Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
Moulin
Aimee
A
Henderson
Sean O
SO
D000328:Adult; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D011433:Propranolol; D011188:Potassium