Assessment of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in hyperthyroid patients

ABSTRACT

Prevalence and characteristics of hypokalemic periodic paralysis has been reported differently in various societies. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in hyperthyroid patients referred to endocrine OPD of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciensis. A questionnaire including age, sex, cause of hyperthyroidism, ophtalmopathy, skin manifestation of Graves disease, history of paralysis, organs involved, predisposing factors, the number of paralysis attack, the beginning time of the paralysis and potassium levels during the attack, were completed in all hyperthyr-otoxic patients. About 52% of patients had Graves' disease. About 69% of patients were women. Nineteen [0.8%] had history of hypokalemic periodic paralysis especially in warm months and all were males with Graves' disease and their mean age were 30.2 +/- 10.7 years. ECG disturbance and paralysis of respiratory muscles were not detected in any patients. The mean serum potassium level during paralysis was 2.6 +/- 0.67 mEq/L. Predisposing factors for paralysis attacks were physical overexertion, carbohydrates and sweets consumption, infections, and corticosteroid injection. No predisposing factor was found in 9 [47.3%] of the patients. There were no episodes of hypokalemic periodic paralysis after successful treatment of hyperthyroidism in any patients. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis was mainly seen in males with Graves' disease in warm climate and after discontinuation of anti-thyroid treatment. No episodes of paralysis were detected after successful treatment of hyperthyroidism