Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Case Series from Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract

We report our experience with seven cases of thyrotoxicosis associated with hypokalaemic periodic paralysis seen over a 25-year period in Trinidad, West Indies, an ethnically diverse island. All the cases were males, one was a Chinese, two were of East Indian and four of African descent, with a mean age 31.4 years (range 22-54 years). Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment led to the prompt resolution of the symptoms. Although rare in the Caribbean region, clinicians should be aware of the features of this potentially fatal but readily remediable complication of thyrotoxicosis.

Recurrent Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis As the Sole Clinical Manifestation of Untreated Hyperthyroidism

“…While the condition predominantly presents in Chinese men [1], it has been reported in diverse ethnic groups, including Hispanic, Native American, Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Trinidadian, and African populations [5,[8][9][10][11][12].…”