title: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis due to dietary weight-loss supplement.
abstract: Herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss and in treatment of obesity are growing in popularity and acceptance in the United States. Most of these supplements can be obtained over the counter and can have serious adverse effects associated with their consumption. We describe 2 patients who developed thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis 2-3 weeks after consuming thyroxine-containing weight-loss supplements. This is the first known case of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis secondary to dietary supplements. It is important that patients and physicians are aware of the severe adverse reactions associated with dietary supplements. Physicians should as a routine inquire about herbal and dietary supplement consumption during all patient encounters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA. yemmy68@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Akinyemi
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bercovici
authors.forename: Selvanayagam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Niranjan
authors.forename: Nisha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Bhakthavatsalam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hemavathy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D013974:Thyroxine