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Emergency Medicine Journal 2004;21:120-121; doi:10.1136/emj.2003.006684
© 2004 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the College of Emergency Medicine.

CASE REPORT

Hypokalaemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in an Asian man in the United Kingdom

R Sinharay

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr R Sinharay
Department of Medicine, Tameside General Hospital, Fountain Street, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire OL6 9RW, UK; ranjitsinharay{at}hotmail.com

ABSTRACT

A large number of ethnic Chinese and other oriental populations are living in the West because of the modern day migration of people. Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis attributable to thyrotoxicosis is a common presentation in an Asian emergency department. It is uncommon in the white communities. There is a difference in the genetic type in the different racial groups. Thyrotoxic features are often masked or absent. Life may be threatened because of severe hypokalaemia and therefore a prompt diagnosis of this condition in the certain ethnic group presenting with weakness and hypokalaemia is essential. Thyroid function studies are mandatory in these cases.

Keywords: ethnic variation; hypokalaemic periodic paralysis; thyrotoxic periodic paralysis


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