A family with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 15(4); 1997 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1997;15(4): 931-936.

고 칼륨혈증 주기성 마비 가족 1례

김 제, 김재문

충남대학교 의대 신경과

A family with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

Jei Kim, M.D., Jae-Moon Kim, M.D.

Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Taejon, Korea

Abstract

We report clinical characteristics of seven members in a family with hyper kalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). Duration of periodic paralysis were noted for 3 to 7 days in adult patients, but for 20 to 45 minutes in children with the disease. The paralysis were usually appeared after severe exercise, pregnancy, heavy watermelon intake, and exposure to cold. Adult patients experienced paramyotonic phenomenon, when they exposed to cold. The paralysis were relieved after continuous movement, when they felt a weakness in extremities after exercise. Appearance and aggravation of symptoms were correlated with increased potassium levels in the blood on provocation tests for HYPP. The potassium levels increased within the upper limit of normal range except one patient. The increased potassium levels fell to previous level, when the paralysis was improved. The number of onset and duration of symptoms were decreased after medication with acetazolamide 250 mg a day.