Hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case series, review of the literature and update of management.
The objective of this study was to present a case series of patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. We described all patients with diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis admitted to the Al Ain Hospital (UAE) during the year 2006. Seventeen patients, all males and mostly Asians, were presented to the Al Ain Hospital over a 12-month period. The majority were admitted during the summer months. Four were thyrotoxic. All of the 17 patients received oral potassium supplements and recovered well without any major complications. In conclusion, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion, especially among Asians presenting with flaccid paralysis and hypokalemia. The main steps in the management include exclusion of other causes of hypokalemia, potassium replacement, hydration and close monitoring of the cardiac rhythm and serum potassium levels. When possible, the underlying cause must be adequately addressed to prevent the persistence or recurrence of paralysis.
Alkaabi
Juma M
JM
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, UAE. j.kaabi@uaeu.ac.ae
Mushtaq
Ahmed
A
Al-Maskari
Fatma N
FN
Moussa
Nagi A
NA
Gariballa
Salah
S
D000328:Adult; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012621:Seasons; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000150:complications; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D055815:Young Adult
D011188:Potassium