Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis With Hypocalcemic Episode

Hypokalemic, 1 hyperkalemic, 2 and normokalemic 3 types of familial periodic paralysis have been reported. We studied a woman whose clinical syndrome and serum potassium changes were compatible with the hyperkalemic type of paralysis. In contrast to most of the previously described patients, her family did not demonstrate the pedigree pattern of an autosomal dominant gene with complete or almost complete penetrance. 2 In addition, she had a low serum calcium and carbon dioxide combining power during an attack. Only one other report describes hypocalcemia during an attack. 4 Our patient may represent a heretofore unreported variant of familial periodic paralysis or, possibly a similar but new metabolic defect. Report of Case A 35-year-old, married, Caucasian female secretary complained of episodic weakness and paralysis of her legs and arms. These attacks began when she was 18 months old. A typical attack was characterized by gradual weakness of the arms and