title: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis: six cases in non-Asian patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe six cases of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) in non-Asian men.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present six cases of THPP, including clinical and laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome, and review the related literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a relatively common occurrence in Asian men with thyrotoxicosis; however, it is unusual in non-Asian patients with thyrotoxicosis. Among our six patients--four Caucasians, one African-American, and one Hispanic--the precipitating factors, initial manifestations, and clinical course varied. In general, treatment with 131 I or potassium eliminated the paralytic episodes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  THPP needs to be distinguished from nonthyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Although THPP is unusual in non-Asian men, it must be recognized because of the severe and potentially fatal complications, which are reversible with potassium replacement and antithyroid therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Loyola University, Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Swade
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lawrence