Hypokalaemic paralysis precipitated by working in hot weather

Twenty-two cases of hypokalaemic paralysis seen over the past 7 years, are presented here. They included five Chinese, five Bangladeshis, six Arabs, four Philippinos and two Indians. The number of cases related to the population of each nationality in our area showed that the Chinese had the biggest number of cases in relation to their population in our area, followed by Philippinos then Bangladeshis. All patients were men admitted in the hot season, dehydrated and not able to walk. It seems that dehydration was an important precipitating factor in our cases. Although family history was positive in one patient, apart from four thyrotoxic patients, the others were apparently healthy. Patients improved dramatically with i.v. potassium and rehydration. Four patients were readmitted with the same picture.