Sporadic hypokalaemic periodic paralysis

To describe presentation, laboratory profile and management of five sporadic cases of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in nationals of four different countries of Asia. Design: Prospective case study with review of literature. Five cases were diagnosed at the department of Medicine at King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Saudi Arabia on the basis of episodic reversible flaccid paralysis with hypokalaemia in the absence of other causes of such paralysis. Mean age of these cases was 32 years and all presented as flaccid paralysis with proximal muscles of lower limbs more severely affected than the upper limbs. Most common precipitating factor was use of carbohydrate rich food. Mean initial serum potassium was 1.6 mmol/l. All had complete recovery when infused potassium in 20% urea. Conclusions: The diagnosis of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis should be kept in mind in any patient presenting with sudden flaccid paralysis and hypokalaemia which does not respond to K+ infused in dextrose or saline