It is a group of diseases characterized by recurrent episodes of flaccid paralysis. Clinically, the hypokalemic type is the most common, often associated with potassium metabolism disorders.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. Medical History and Symptoms:

More common in young and middle-aged males, may have a family history, often triggered by cold, overeating, or fatigue; acute onset frequently occurs at midnight, early morning, or after a nap, and can recur with flaccid paralysis of the limbs as the main manifestation.

2. Physical Examination Findings:

1. Varying degrees of flaccid paralysis in the limbs, often starting from the lower limbs with more severe proximal involvement. In severe cases, respiratory muscles may be affected, and muscle pain may occur without sensory impairment. Most cases recover within a few hours to one or two days, while a few may take up to a week.

2. When the myocardium is involved, symptoms such as bradycardia, ventricular premature beats, and elevated blood pressure may occur.

3. It is necessary to rule out hypokalemia caused by hysteria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hyperaldosteronism, gossypol poisoning, renal tubular acidosis, and other causes.

3. Auxiliary Examinations:

During the attack stage, serum potassium levels decrease, and electrocardiograms show hypokalemic changes. The response of paralyzed muscles to direct current stimulation is weakened or absent.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Stage of attack:

Potassium chloride 4-10g (0.2g/kg for children) can be taken orally at once. After the condition improves, continue taking potassium chloride 1-2g, 3-4 times daily, until complete recovery before stopping the medication. For more severe cases, 30ml of 10% potassium chloride can be added to 1000ml of normal saline for slow intravenous drip, with the total amount of potassium chloride not exceeding 8g within 24 hours. For patients with difficulty breathing, provide oxygen and suction sputum as needed, and administer artificial respiration during seasonal epidemics. For arrhythmia, administer 30ml of 10% potassium chloride and 10 units of insulin in 1000ml of 5% glucose solution for slow intravenous drip. Due to the high risk of toxicity, digitalis drugs are contraindicated.

Avoid various triggers such as overeating, consuming large amounts of high-sugar foods, and excessive fatigue. If necessary, take 10ml of 10% potassium chloride orally, 3 times daily.

3. Some patients may still experience arrhythmia during the intermittent period and are at risk of sudden death due to ventricular tachycardia. Vigilance and active prevention and treatment are essential.