Title:Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Concise Review of the Literature
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Author(s): Muhammad Ali Chaudhry and Siddharth Wayangankar
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, hupokalmia, proximal.
Abstract: Background: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare disease entity highlighted by
hypokalemia, flaccid paralysis, and thyrotoxicosis. It usually presents as sudden profound muscle
weakness manifested as almost complete immobility and can affect proximal and distal limb muscles,
respiratory musculature as well as the cardiac conduction system.
Methods: A comprehensive review of Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis from 1885 to date was carried
out by an extensive and thorough literature research including but not limited to Pubmed, Medline
and EMBASE.
Objective: This review emphasizes the etiology, pathogenesis, management and prognosis of TPP
and aims to highlight clinical awareness of early diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment.
Conclusion: It is extremely important to diagnose this condition as early as possible as it is potentially
reversible and prompt treatment leads to rapid resolution with no residual weakness. Missing
the diagnosis can result in possible fatal complications such as hypercapneic respiratory failure and
ventricular fibrillation.
