RESUMO
Acute hypokalemic paralysis is an uncommon cause of acute muscle weakness. This disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality secondary to acute respiratory failure. Thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis [THP] is a potentially reversible phenomenon after establishment of euothyroid state with appropriate therapy. The clinical presentation of THP is similar to familial periodic paralysis [FPP] except for older age at the oncet of disease and lack of family history. This disease is more common in Orientals and Asians. The initial presentation of THP is not different from that seen in [FPP] and constitute a medical emergency. Patients should be treated aggressively with potassium supplimentation until serum potassium is normalized and hyperthyroidism is controlled. In this report, we describe our experience with 3 Asian patients who manifested severe attacks of THP. After establishment of euothyroid state, none of the patients experienced subsequent attacks after 2-7 years of follow-up