Thyrotoxic, hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) in adolescents

Periodic paralysis associated with hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia is an uncommon disorder reported primarily in Asian males and rarely in children. We report three Hispanic adolescent males who were seen with Graves' disease (GD) and THPP.

The method used was chart review.

Two of these boys presented with episodes of paralysis and were diagnosed with GD. The third was initially seen with hyperthyroidism and developed weakness and paralysis when his disease progressed because of therapeutic noncompliance. Hypokalemia was documented in two of the three patients with the third not seen during paralysis. Intravenous K⁺ was required in only one case. All three boys were treated with antithyroid medications and β blockers, and the musculoskeletal symptoms resolved in all three when hyperthyroidism was controlled after 2 weeks of treatment. The duration for each episode of weakness and paralysis varied in each case and resolved within 15 min to 2 h in case 1, 1-5 h in case 2, and 24 h in case 3.

THPP is considered uncommon except in Asian males and rare in childhood and adolescence. Its occurrence in these three Hispanic boys suggests that it may occur more frequently in the young and in the USA than has been suspected, especially with the changing national demographics. We believe that our experience should raise the awareness of THPP among pediatric care providers.