Hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: clinical characteristics and predictors of recurrent paralytic attacks

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02132.x
• Publication Date: 2008-04-10T08:46:48Z
• Authors: M.‐J. Hsieh; R.‐K. Lyu; W.‐N. Chang; K.‐H. Chang; C.‐M. Chen; H.‐S. Chang; Y.‐R. Wu; S.‐T. Chen; L.‐S. Ro
• Keywords: Periodic paralysis; Hypokalemic periodic paralysis

To study the clinical characteristics of hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (hoTPP) and identify predictors recurrent paralytic attacks before achieving euthyroid status.We retrospectively analyzed 45 hoTPP patients who were admitted during 7-year period.A tendency towards male predominance was observed among (91.1%, 41/45). The mean onset age 32.9 +/- 10.0 years (range: 16-54 years). No significant differences in between female patients. Precipitating factors included rest/sleep at night, hot weather, upper respiratory tract infections (URIs), excessive physical activities. Atypical weakness nine (20%, 9/45) One patient initially diagnosed with sporadic eventually developed hoTPP.In provocative tests, hypokalemia not a consistent finding attacks. Before status, rate as high 62.2%, peaked first 3 months after diagnosed. Patients URIs exhibited higher incidence than those without (odds ratio = 13.00; 95% confidence interval 1.08-156.08; P 0.04).