Narrative Review
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment
Main Article Content
Sérgio Ferreira Cristina
Victor Espadinha
Abstract
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare genetic skeletal muscle channelopathy characterized by recurrent attacks of tetraparesia associated with hypokalemia. Mutations in skeletal muscle sodium and calcium channels are responsible for the pathophysiology of this condition and each mutation seem to have different implication in both phenotype and response to treatment. Patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis present with recurrent muscle weakness and hypokalemia, frequently after exercise or copious meals, but are symptom free between attacks. Although potassium administration is the mainstay of acute treatment, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors play a significant role in prophylactic treatment. In this article, we aimed to review the pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment options of hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Article Details
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