Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: reports of seven patients presenting with weakness in an Asian emergency department.

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to describe the features of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in young Asian men.

METHODS

Seven male patients were enlisted who presented to the emergency department over a period of three years with weakness and paralysis in the morning.

RESULTS

Initial electrolyte studies revealed hypokalaemia in these patients, and later thyroid function tests confirmed thyrotoxicosis for all. Only two of these patients had clinical symptoms and signs of thyrotoxicosis, the others being asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Early morning paralysis can be the first manifestation of hyperthyroidism in Asian men, without the other more typical symptoms of weight loss, increased appetite, excitability, sweaty palms or goitre. Treatment to a euthyroid state will ameliorate the syndrome.