The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report
Abstract Background Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a chronic condition characterized by sporadic attacks of weakness associated with acute hypokalemia. Attacks are typically associated with specific triggers, such as prolonged rest following exercise or consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal. Mo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03283-0 |
| _version_ | 1818286749450764288 |
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| author | Julia Li Suha Moten Anis A. Rauf |
| author_facet | Julia Li Suha Moten Anis A. Rauf |
| author_sort | Julia Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a chronic condition characterized by sporadic attacks of weakness associated with acute hypokalemia. Attacks are typically associated with specific triggers, such as prolonged rest following exercise or consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal. Most commonly, this condition is caused by an autosomal dominant calcium channel mutation, and patients typically have an established family medical history of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Long-term complications include the development of progressive proximal myopathy. Oral potassium chloride may be considered for the treatment of an acute attack, with administration of acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide as long-term prophylaxis. Nephrologists can play an important role in the recognition and treatment of previously undiagnosed hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Case presentation We summarize the case of a 19-year-old white man who presented to the emergency department with undiagnosed attacks of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and who reported, at follow-up, improvement in the severity and frequency of attacks with dichlorphenamide. Conclusions This case demonstrates the crucial role nephrologists can play, not only in the diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, but also in the ongoing management of this condition. Patients should be advised to regularly follow up with their nephrology team for evaluation due to the risk of developing myopathy. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-13T01:29:32Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-818eaaa80a24424f994f23d85bf254bd |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1752-1947 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-13T01:29:32Z |
| publishDate | 2022-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| spelling | doaj.art-818eaaa80a24424f994f23d85bf254bd2022-12-22T00:04:03ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472022-02-011611510.1186/s13256-022-03283-0The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case reportJulia Li0Suha Moten1Anis A. Rauf2Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic MedicineMidwestern University, MABSNephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and IndianaAbstract Background Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a chronic condition characterized by sporadic attacks of weakness associated with acute hypokalemia. Attacks are typically associated with specific triggers, such as prolonged rest following exercise or consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal. Most commonly, this condition is caused by an autosomal dominant calcium channel mutation, and patients typically have an established family medical history of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Long-term complications include the development of progressive proximal myopathy. Oral potassium chloride may be considered for the treatment of an acute attack, with administration of acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide as long-term prophylaxis. Nephrologists can play an important role in the recognition and treatment of previously undiagnosed hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Case presentation We summarize the case of a 19-year-old white man who presented to the emergency department with undiagnosed attacks of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and who reported, at follow-up, improvement in the severity and frequency of attacks with dichlorphenamide. Conclusions This case demonstrates the crucial role nephrologists can play, not only in the diagnosis of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, but also in the ongoing management of this condition. Patients should be advised to regularly follow up with their nephrology team for evaluation due to the risk of developing myopathy.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03283-0Case reportsHypokalemic periodic paralysisNephrologyDichlorphenamide |
| spellingShingle | Julia Li Suha Moten Anis A. Rauf The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report Journal of Medical Case Reports Case reports Hypokalemic periodic paralysis Nephrology Dichlorphenamide |
| title | The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report |
| title_full | The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report |
| title_fullStr | The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report |
| title_short | The role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report |
| title_sort | role of nephrologists in management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis a case report |
| topic | Case reports Hypokalemic periodic paralysis Nephrology Dichlorphenamide |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-022-03283-0 |
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