Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis complicated by near-fatal ventricular arrhythmias

KC Loh, L Pinheiro, KS Ng
Correspondence: Dr Loh Keh Chuan, lohkc@endocrinology.com.sg

ABSTRACT
A 35-year-old Chinese man presented with acute thyrotoxic periodic paralysis complicated by near-fatal cardiac arrhythmias due to persistent hypokalaemia, despite maximum potassium supplementation. He was eventually resuscitated with external cadioversion. In this unusual case of severe refractory hypokalaemia leading to ventricular fibrillation in a patient with underlying thyrotoxicosis, the potential dangers concerning the use of dextrose infusion and beta-adrenergic agent for resuscitation are highlighted.

Keywords: hypokalaemia, thyrotoxicosis, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, ventricular fibrillation
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(2): 88-89