Clinical analysis of TPP

Hypokalemic paralysis (HP) is generally classified into 2 categories: hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP) and non-hypoPP. hypoPP can further be categorised into familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (FPP) and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP). TPP is fraught with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. It is crucial to recognize and treat early to avoid the life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.

Chang et al. performed a prospective, observational study to analyze the detailed symptomatology of thyrotoxicosis and precipitating factors for the attack in a large cohort of TPP patients. Their study provides clinical insight, focusing on symptoms related to hyperthyroidism and precipitants, in a large cohort of TPP in Taiwan. The study also shows that most TPP patients have only subtle clinical signs/symptoms of thyrotoxicosis and only a small fraction has clear precipitating factors. In addition to the effects of hyperinsulinemia, other insulin-independent mechanisms may participate in the pathogenesis of TPP.

Read the full article at Chang et al. (2013) European Journal of Endocrinology 169; 529-536; DOI: 10.1530/EJE-13-0381