title: [Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a family with normokalemic periodic paralysis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Periodic paralysis (PP) is one type of skeletal muscle channelopathies characterized by episodic attacks of weakness. It is usually classified into hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) and normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoPP) based on the blood potassium levels. HypoPP is the most common type of these three and NormoPP is the rarest one. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese family with normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoKPP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical features of all patients in the family with NormoKPP were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and amplified with PCR. We screened all 24 exons of SCN4A gene and then sequence analysis was performed in those who showed heteroduplex as compared with unaffected controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  (1) Fifteen members of the family were clinically diagnosed NormoKPP, and their common features are: onset within infacy, episodic attacks of weakness, the blood potassium levels were within normal ranges, high sodium diet or large dosage of normal saline could attenuate the symptom. One muscle biopsy was performed and examination of light and electronic microscopy showed occasionally degenerating myofibers. (2) Gene of 12 patients were screened and confirmed mutations of SCN4A genes--c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study further defined the clinical features of patients with NormoKPP, and molecular genetic analysis found SCN4A gene c. 2111 T > C/p. Thr704Met point mutation contributed to the disease. In line with the autosomal dominant inheritance laws, this family can be diagnosed with periodic paralysis, and be provided with genetic counseling. And the study may also help the clinical diagnosis, guide treatment and genetic counseling of this rare disease in China.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Cui-jie
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Dong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Shuo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Dao-jun
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Li-hua
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Pu
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xiong
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D053447:Channelopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009154:Mutation; D062553:NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel / Q000235:genetics*; D010245:Paralyses, Familial Periodic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D010375:Pedigree; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D062553:NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; C106251:SCN4A protein, human; D011188:Potassium