ODP535 Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) in A Young African American Male: Post Exercise

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare fatal disorder with hypokalemia as the hallmark feature associated with thyrotoxicosis. Compared with existing studies that TPP is prevalent among younger men of Asian descent, this study intends to complement this area of study by addressing aspects currently not fully covered involving the existence of TPP among men of African descent. This study documents the case of a 37year old African American Man with no previous history of hyperthyroidism who presented with sudden onset lower extremity paralysis and hypokalemia. It is particularly important to note that while majority of patients with TPP have preexisting hyperthyroidism, our patient presented with no history of overactive thyroid. The finding of this work fills a gap in literature highlighting the importance of separating Familial Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (FPP) and TPP at its earliest detection. We find strong and robust evidence suggesting that patients may be easily termed FPP in view of its similarity to TPP thereby leading to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. TPP has been linked with genetic mutations in specific ion channels (calcium channels and KIR) and increased Na-K ATPase pump activity. This leads to a massive intracellular shift in potassium causing hypokalemia under the influence of excess thyroid hormone. We find that both TPP and FPP have similar clinical presentations and same precipitants hence the need for a high index of suspicion in patients with hypokalemia and sudden onset paralysis with no history of hyperthyroidism to prevent lethal complications. Our results suggest that prompt correction of hypokalemia and treatment of hyperthyroidism is key in resolving attacks and preventing lethal complications. Presentation: No date and time listed