Hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case series, review of the literature and update of management:

An Interesting Case of Weakness and Atrial Tachycardia in the Emergency Department: Thinking Beyond Hearts and Minds

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare but life-threatening presentation of hyperthyroidism that manifests with sudden, painless episodes of muscle weakness due to hypokalemia. We present the case of a middle-aged Middle Eastern female who attended our Emergency Department with sudden onset weakness to the lower limbs, resulting in her inability to walk. She had a power of 1/5 in the lower limbs, and subsequent investigations showed a low potassium level, and primary hyperthyroidism secondary to Grave's disease was diagnosed. A 12-lead electrocardiogram showed atrial flutter with a variable block, along with U waves. The patient reverted to sinus rhythm following administration of potassium replacement and was also treated with Propanalol and Carbimazole. The patient made a full neurological recovery.  Emergency physicians and all frontline healthcare workers should be aware that electrolyte problems can cause paralysis. Furthermore, hypokalemic periodic paralysis can be caused by an undiagnosed thyrotoxic state. Be aware that if left untreated, hypokalemia can cause serious atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Achieving a euthyroid state and blunting hyperadrenergic stimulation, in addition to replacing potassium, all help to fully reverse muscle weakness.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: An Under-Recognized Cause of Paralysis in Young Hispanic Men

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting to the emergency department with paralysis can have a wide differential diagnosis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare disorder causing transient flaccid paralysis in the setting of thyrotoxicosis and hypokalemia. It has been reported in Asian male populations predominantly, and the diagnosis is rarely considered in non-Asian populations. Recent research has identified cases in patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, although epidemiologic data from the United States are very limited.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to report our experience with TPP at a tertiary care center in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2006 and February 2022 to identify cases of TPP and determine their demographic and clinical characteristics. Prevalence of TPP was estimated using the institutional hyperthyroidism registry.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients with TPP were identified. All of the patients were male; median age was 28 years, and 85% were Hispanic. All patients had hypokalemia at presentation and 23% had rebound hyperkalemia after treatment. Prevalence of TPP in our population of patients with hyperthyroidism was approximately 0.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Young Hispanic men presenting with paralysis should be evaluated for TPP, as the prevalence in this population may be higher than estimated previously. Management of TPP involves treatment of underlying hyperthyroidism and cautious potassium repletion, with an initial dose of no more than 60 mEq/L of potassium chloride to avoid rebound hyperkalemia.

Paint-thinner-induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Series and Review

Occupational health hazards contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of workers in factories. Toluene has become a widely abused inhaled volatile drug. The spectrum of toluene-induced renal injury includes rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinemia, distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA), acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, and interstitial nephritis. We describe two patients with paint-thinner-induced kidney injury who were affected through different routes of exposure and recovered well, with one requiring dialysis support; the second patient, who had developed Type 1 distal RTA and mild kidney injury, was managed with conservative measures. Toluene can cause acute neurological symptoms, accompanied by severe metabolic alterations, as well as organ injury and dysfunction. A common association of the development of hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis with toluene intoxication was observed. Liver injury and rhabdomyolysis are also common. Vomiting, dehydration, tubular injury, and rhabdomyolysis are all possible additional causes of acute renal failure in toluene intoxication. Type 1 distal RTA, which is characterized by an inability to lower urine pH despite acidemia, results in hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia. The management of acute toluene toxicity is largely conservative, consisting of correcting the electrolytes and the acid-base balance, fluid alterations, and renal replacement therapy in severe acute kidney injury. A clinical suspicion of organ failure and prompt supportive care leads to encouraging results. Adequate protective steps for workplaces involved in the use of such substances in confined spaces include prior risk assessment, using low-toxicity chemical products, ensuring adequate ventilation, safety training, and using appropriate personal protective equipment.

High prevalence and a long delay in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism among patients with young-onset hypertension

BACKGROUND

Despite being the most common cause of secondary hypertension, prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) among patients with young-onset hypertension (YH - age of hypertension onset <40 years) remains poorly studied.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prevalence of PA in patients with YH referred for evaluation of secondary hypertension.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 202 patients with YH, visiting endocrine and cardiology clinics of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India, were evaluated.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary aldosteronism was screened by measuring plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and direct renin concentration (DRC) and calculating aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), followed by confirmatory saline infusion test (SIT) according to Endocrine Society Guideline. Those confirmed with post-SIT PAC >5 ng/dl underwent adrenal computed tomography (CT), followed by adrenal venous sampling (AVS).

RESULTS

Of 202 YH patients, 38 (18.8%) screened positive, and PA was confirmed in 36 (17.8%). The mean age was 43.9 ± 10.9 years, and median duration of hypertension was 10.5 (3.5-18) years. The prevalence of PA increased with grade of hypertension (8.1% in grade 1 to 37.1% in grade 3), number of antihypertensive medications (2.5% in those taking ≤1 to 50% in those taking ≥4 medications) and severity of hypokalaemia (0% in potassium >5 to 85.7% in potassium <3.5 mmol/L). The prevalence of PA by age of hypertension onset was highest in age group 30-39 years (31.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence and a long delay in diagnosis of PA among patients with YH, and YH should be considered as a separate high-risk category in PA screening algorithm.

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis – the importance of patient education

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOKPP) is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by altered transport of cellular potassium that leads to significant muscle weakness of the extremities. Paralytic attacks are induced by a drop in the serum potassium level and they have been associated with specific triggers. This case describes a 21-year-old male who has had recurrent presentations of acute paralytic attacks following vigorous physical activity. At presentation, this patient exhibited flaccid paralysis of all skeletal muscles below the neck, but was alert and oriented with stable vital signs. The patient was found to have a potassium level of 2.1 mmol/L and an EKG demonstrating U waves (characteristic of hypokalemia). The patient was treated with potassium supplementation with resolution of symptoms. The mainstay of prevention of long term permanent muscle weakness is avoidance of triggers that can lead to hypokalemia. Through education on disease process and lifestyle modifications, we were able to end the cycle of recurrent hospital readmissions and the subsequent financial burden this generated for the patient and his family.

Ultrasound of the diaphragm in severe hypokalemia induced diaphragmatic dysfunction

Severe hypokalemia presents with significant muscle weakness and involvement of respiratory muscles. Bedside ultrasonography of the diaphragm is emerging as a noninvasive bedside tool for diagnosis and followup of diaphragmatic dysfunction due to various causes. Here, we present a case of diaphragmatic dysfunction due to severe hypokalemia. The patient presented with acute onset quadriparesis that rapidly improved with correction of hypokalemia. The clinical and laboratory parameters correlated well with the findings of diaphragm ultrasound, both initially and after correction of hypokalemia.

Weakness in the Emergency Department: Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis Induced By Strenuous Physical Activity

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare but serious disorder that is typically caused by a channelopathy. Thyrotoxicosis, heavy exercise, high carbohydrate meal and some drugs can trigger channelopathy in genetically predisposed individuals. A 33-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with weakness in the lower extremities. He stated that he had done heavy physical activity during the previous week. The patient exhibited motor weakness in the lower extremities (2/5 strength) during the physical examination. Initial laboratory tests showed a potassium level of 1.89 mEq/L. The initial electrocardiogram demonstrated T wave inversion and prominent U waves. The patient was treated in the emergency department with oral and intravenous potassium. The physical and ECG symptoms resolved within 16 hours of potassium supplementation and biochemical tests showed normal serum potassium levels. The patient was discharged shortly after the resolution of the symptoms. Weakness is an important but nonspecific symptom that may be brought on by a number of underlying physiological processes. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disease that may be triggered by heavy physical activity and presents with recurrent admissions due to weakness.

Acute toluene intoxication--clinical presentation, management and prognosis: a prospective observational study

Background

Toluene is one of the most widely abused inhaled drugs due to its acute neurologic effects including euphoria and subsequent depression. However, dangerous metabolic abnormalities are associated to acute toluene intoxication. It has been previously reported that rhabdomyolysis and acute hepatorenal injury could be hallmarks of the condition, and could constitute risk factors for poor outcomes. The objective was to describe the clinical presentation, to characterize the renal and liver abnormalities, the management and prognosis associated to acute toluene intoxication.

Methods

We prospectively assessed 20 patients that were admitted to a single center’s emergency department from September 2012 to June 2014 with clinical and metabolic alterations due to acute toluene intoxication.

Results

The main clinical presentation consisted of weakness associated to severe hypokalemia and acidosis. Renal glomerular injury (proteinuria) is ubiquitous. Biliary tract injury (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase elevations) disproportional to hepatocellular injury is common. Rhabdomyolysis occurred in 80 % of patients, probably due to hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia. There were three deaths, all female, and all associated with altered mental status, severe acidosis, hypokalemia and acute oliguric renal failure. The cause of death was in all cases due to cardiac rhythm abnormalities.

Conclusion

The hallmarks of acute toluene intoxication are hypokalemic paralysis and metabolic acidosis. Liver injury and rhabdomyolysis are common. On admission, altered mental status, renal failure, severe acidemia and female gender (not significant in our study, but present in all three deaths) could be associated with a poor outcome, and patients with these characteristics should be considered to be treated in an intensive care unit.

Hypokalemia in patients with cough mixture abuse: a retrospective chart review

BACKGROUND

In past 2 decades, nonmedical consumption of cough mixture has become a serious social problem in certain regions of China. Cough mixture abuse causes psychiatric symptoms. Moreover, there has been an increasing concern about the physical disorders associated with cough mixture abuse.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of hypokalemia related to cough mixture abuse between January 2009 and December 2012 was conducted in Guangzhou Brain Hospital, China.

RESULTS

The charts were reviewed for 34 subjects with cough mixture abuse. Seven of 34 cough mixture abusers (20.6%) presented hypokalemia, with symptoms ranged from mild to severe limb weakness. Hypokalemia in these patients reduced after normalization of potassium.

CONCLUSIONS

A high incidence of hypokalemia presents in cough mixture abusers. Cough mixture abuse might be one of the secondary causes of hypokalemia paralysis in young patients presenting to emergency departments.

A case of hypokalemic paralysis in a patient with neurogenic diabetes insipidus

Acute hypokalemic paralysis is characterized by muscle weakness or paralysis secondary to low serum potassium levels. Neurogenic diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition where the patient excretes large volume of dilute urine due to low levels of antidiuretic hormone. Here, we describe a patient with neurogenic DI who developed hypokalemic paralysis without a prior history of periodic paralysis. A 30-year-old right-handed Hispanic male was admitted for refractory seizures and acute DI after developing a dental abscess. He had a history of pituitary adenoma resection at the age of 13 with subsequent pan-hypopituitarism and was noncompliant with hormonal supplementation. On hospital day 3, he developed sudden onset of quadriplegia with motor strength of 0 of 5 in the upper extremities bilaterally and 1 of 5 in both lower extremities with absent deep tendon reflexes. His routine laboratory studies revealed severe hypokalemia of 1.6 mEq/dL. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) revealed absent compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) with normal sensory potentials. Electromyography (EMG) did not reveal any abnormal insertional or spontaneous activity. He regained full strength within 36 hours following aggressive correction of the hypokalemia. Repeat NCS showed return of CMAPs in all nerves tested and EMG revealed normal motor units and normal recruitment without myotonic discharges. In patients with central DI with polyuria, hypokalemia can result in sudden paralysis. Hypokalemic paralysis remains an important differential in an acute case of paralysis and early recognition and appropriate management is key.

Acute hypokalemic periodic paralysis possibly precipitated by albuterol

PURPOSE

An episode of acute hypokalemic paralysis associated with the use of inhaled albuterol is described.

SUMMARY

A 34-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department reported the development of pain and diffuse paralysis of the extremities and torso shortly after using an albuterol inhaler. At age 18, she had been diagnosed with hyokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), a disorder of muscle membrane excitability caused by serum potassium depletion that can lead to life-threatening neuromuscular and cardiovascular complications. After a 15-year period of episodically recurring HPP symptoms despite long-term acetazolamide use, she was switched to spironolactone therapy and had experienced no HPP exacerbations for about 1 year. On her arrival in the emergency department, the patient's serum potassium concentration was 1.8 meq/L and she was mildly tachycardic (heart rate of 125 beats/min). After careful supplementation to gradually increase the serum potassium concentration to 5.4 meq/L, the patient slowly regained movement and strength in her extremities. Application of the adverse drug reaction probability scale of Naranjo et al. to this case yielded a score of 3, indicating that albuterol was possibly the cause of the patient's HPP exacerbation. Beta-2-adrenergic agonists and several other medications can affect serum potassium levels; although the potential risks posed by the use of such drugs in patients with a history of HPP are unclear, cautious use in the context of known HPP is advised.

CONCLUSION

A patient previously diagnosed with HPP experienced an exacerbation of HPP possibly induced by inhaled albuterol treatment.

Etiological spectrum of hypokalemic paralysis: A retrospective analysis of 29 patients

Background:

Hypokalemic paralysis is characterized by episodes of acute muscle weakness associated with hypokalemia. In this study, we evaluated the possible etiological factors in patients of hypokalemic paralysis.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the records of 29 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of hypokalemic paralysis. Modified Guillain-Barre´ Syndrome disability scale was used to grade the disability.

Results:

In this study, 15 (51.7%) patients had secondary causes of hypokalemic paralysis and 14 patients (42.3%) had idiopathic hypokalemic paralysis. Thyrotoxicosis was present in six patients (20.6%), dengue infection in four patients (13.7%), distal renal tubular acidosis in three patients (10.3%), Gitelman syndrome in one patient (3.4%), and Conn's syndrome in one patient (3.4%). Preceding history of fever and rapid recovery was seen in dengue infection-induced hypokalemic paralysis. Approximately 62% patients had elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase. All patients had recovered completely following potassium supplementation. Patients with secondary causes were older in age, had significantly more disability, lower serum potassium levels, and took longer time to recover.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, more than half of patients had secondary causes responsible for hypokalemic paralysis. Dengue virus infection was the second leading cause of hypokalemic paralysis, after thyrotoxicosis. Presence of severe disability, severe hypokalemia, and a late disease onset suggested secondary hypokalemic paralysis.

Parálisis periódica hipokalémica tirotóxica: reporte de un caso y revisión del tema

Se expone el caso de un hombre de 20 años, que consultó a urgencias por cuadro de 2 horas de parestesias y pérdida de la fuerza muscular en miembros inferiores, hasta incapacidad completa para incorporarse desde una silla.  Cinco episodios similares, matutinos, leves, de corta duración, con resolución espontánea, durante los últimos dos meses.  Cuatro meses antes había estado presentando palpitaciones, pérdida de 12 kilos de peso con polifagia, sensibilidad al calor, hiperdefecación y temblor fino en manos.  Se documentó y corrigió hipokalemia.  Se confirmó enfermedad de Graves dando tratamiento con propanolol y 20mCi de I131.  La parálisis periódica hipokalémica tirotóxica (PPHT) es una emergencia y puede presentarse desde debilidad muscular de predominio proximal hasta una parálisis completa con riesgo de muerte secundario a hipokalemia severa.   El diagnóstico se confirma con la presencia de signos clínicos y/ó bioquímicos de tirotoxicosis asociados a hipokalemia.  En la PPHT, hay un incremento de actividad de la bomba Na K – ATPasa dado por un aumento en la estimulación beta adrenérgica asociado a un exceso de hormona tiroidea.   Los factores precipitantes de crisis de PPHT mas frecuentes son la alta ingesta de carbohidratos y el ejercicio extenuante, aunque existen muchos otros más.  Es importante la pesquisa de hipertiroidismo en individuos con parálisis ó debilidad muscular e hipokalemia.  Ésta condición se ha descrito principalmente en hombres asiáticos, pero debe ser considerada también en nuestro medio. 

Two patients presenting with lower extremity paralysis and abnormal electrocardiogram

Acute bilateral lower extremity paralysis is a medical emergency frequently caused by spinal cord pathology. A few systemic diseases including metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, however, can also present with lower extremity paralysis. In such cases, an abnormal electrocardiogram can immediately point to a likely systemic etiology. In this report, we present 2 patients with a near carbon-copy presentation where previously healthy Hispanic men woke up in the morning not being able to get out of bed because of severe lower extremity weakness. In both cases, abnormal electrocardiograms on presentation pointed to the most likely diagnosis, which was quickly confirmed by simple laboratory testing. The appropriate evaluation and management of such patients are discussed.

Clinical features and recovery patterns of acquired non-thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical features and recovery patterns of patients with non-thyrotoxic acquired hypokalemic paralysis.

METHODS

The clinical and laboratory records of 11 consecutive patients with acquired non-thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis were reviewed and compared with those of 3 patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP). The causes of potassium wasting were diarrhea (n=4), alcohol abuse (n=2), pseudoaldosteronism (n=2), primary aldosteronism (n=1), distal renal tubular acidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome (n=1) and an unknown cause (n=1).

RESULTS

Three of the 11 patients had prominently asymmetric limb weakness, and 2 had predominant upper limb weakness. On admission, mean serum potassium and creatine kinase (CK) levels of patients with acquired hypokalemic paralysis on admission were 1.8 mEq/L and 4,075 U/mL, respectively, and the mean duration between admission and independent walking was 6.8 days (range, 2-31 days). Despite clinical recovery, 10 patients still presented with increased CK levels after several days (mean of maximum levels, 10,519 U/mL). In addition, normalization of serum potassium levels in patients with acquired hypokalemic paralysis patients was much slower compared to that in patients with TPP. One patient with acquired hypokalemic paralysis developed ventricular fibrillation, whereas all 3 patients with TPP had symmetric proximal and lower limb-dominant weakness and exhibited complete recovery from paralysis as well as normalized serum potassium levels within 24h.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acquired non-thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis, asymmetric or upper limb-dominant weakness of the extremities is observed. Despite clinical improvement after treatment, normalization of serum potassium and CK levels is often delayed, and therefore, careful monitoring for cardiac and renal complications is required.