title: Fatal dysrhythmia following potassium replacement for hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
abstract: We present a case of fatal rebound hyperkalemia in a patient with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) treated with potassium supplementation. Although TPP is a rare hyperthyroidism-related endocrine disorder seen predominantly in men of Asian origin, the diagnosis should be considered in patients of non-Asian origins presenting with hypokalemia, muscle weakness or acute paralysis. The condition may present as a life threatening emergency and unfamiliarity with the disease could result in a fatal outcome. Immediate therapy with potassium chloride supplementation may foster a rapid recovery of muscle strength and prevent cardiac arrhythmias secondary to hypokalemia, but with a risk of rebound hyperkalemia.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN.
authors.forename: Imdad
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Sridhar S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chilimuri
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