Studies on hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Evidence of changes in plasma Na and Cl and induction of paralysis by adrenal glucocorticoids

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Abstract

In a 19 yr old male with familial hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paralysis was consistently induced by the administration of potassium chloride, corticotropin-gel, and a variety of glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, 6-methylprednisolone, triamcinolone) but not by mineralocorticoids (D-aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone) or by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-gel plus metyrapone. Induced attacks were virtually identical with spontaneous attacks, being associated, after a latent period of a few hours, with a rise in plasma K+ and HCO3- and a simultaneous fall in plasma Na+ and Cl- concentrations to an extent implying exchange of 1 K+ with 2 Na+ and 2 Cl- between extracellular and intracellular fluid. ACTH-induced paralysis was preceded by rising serum inorganic P, and associated with increased plasma glucose, blood lactate, and serum creatine phosphokinase concentrations. In normal subjects ACTH, cortisol, and triamcinolone administration failed to change plasma electrolytes or strength, while ingestion of KCl produced no weakness and smaller changes in plasma K and Na than in the patient.

Authors

David H. P. Streeten, Theodore G. Dalakos, Herbert Fellerman