Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: An update

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an endocrine emergency. In initial hours, it requires multidisciplinary care as it involves heart and nervous system. Early diagnosis demands highest clinical acu-men as symptoms and signs of thyrotoxicosis are often subtle. TPP is not nowadays confined to particular ethnic groups. Different cellular ion channels have been identified in its etiopathogenesis. Definitive treatment of thyrotoxicosis is also important to prevent relapse. In all cases of hypokalemia in emergency room, TPP should be excluded. Management of hypokalemia should be rationalized to prevent rebound hyperkalemia as total body potassium loss is minimum or nil. Patients should be made euthyroid as soon as pos-sible to prevent relapse of TPP. Future research on ethnic variation of Na+-K+ ATPase activity may enlighten us the cause of higher prevalence in Asians.