Hypokalemic periodic paralysis as the first sign of thyrotoxicosis- a rare case report from Somalia

Thyroid Research

Case Report

Abdi Karim Ahmed Ghedi¹  Sevgi Ozturk¹  Mohamed Osman Omar Jeele¹  Hawa Nuradin Mohamed¹  Ahmed Muhammad Bashir¹ 

[1] Department of Internal Medicine, Mogadishu Somali Turkey Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia;

关键词: Thyrotoxicosis;    Periodic paralysis;    Hypokalemia;    Somalia;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13044-023-00158-4

 received in 2022-05-23, accepted in 2023-04-18,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, and paralysis. It is the most common form of acquired periodic paralysis. THPP is precipitated by strenuous exercise, a high carbohydrate diet, stress, infection, alcohol, albuterol, and corticosteroid therapy. It is most common in Asian men with hyperthyroidism and exceptionally rare in black people.Case PresentationA 29-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department in Somalia with a sudden onset of paralysis after a high carbohydrate meal. Laboratory investigations showed low serum potassium 1.8 mEq/l (3.5–4.5), and biochemical thyrotoxicosis with TSH 0.006 miu/l (0.35–5.1), total T3 3.2 ng/ml (0.9–2.8) and total T4 13.5 ng/ml (0.6–1.2). He was successfully treated with potassium chloride infusion and an antithyroid drug, methimazole.ConclusionTo prevent life-threatening cardiac and respiratory complications, it is critical to consider and diagnose THPP early, even in populations where the condition is rare.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023