%0 Journal Article
%T Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (THPP): a challenge for the Emergency Medicine physician in Western countries. A case report
%A F. Stella
%A L. Gottardo
%A M.T. Busetto
%A S. Pianetti
%J Emergency Care Journal
%D 2012
%I PAGEPress Publications
%R 10.4081/ecj.2012.1.13
%X Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is an endocrine emergency with sudden onset of acute muscle hypo-asthenia associated with severe hypokalemia and normal acid-base balance, due to thyrotoxicosis. It may develop in patients of Asian and Native American descent, but it is very rare and undiagnosed in Western countries. Standard treatment includes ¦Â-blockers and thyrostatic drugs, but hypokalemia should not be treated with high potassium doses due to the risk of hyperkalemic rebound. Since early diagnosis and correct treatment can prevent life-threatening cardio-pulmonary complications, the emergency physician should keep in mind this rare possibility. We report a case of a 43 year old Caucasian man presenting at ED with tetraparesis as the first symptom of thyrotoxicosis with no other remarkable symptoms or signs.
%K Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
%K Emergency Medicine
%K Western countries
%U http://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/ecj/article/view/1067