A case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis as initial manifestation of Graves' disease in a 16-year-old Korean adolescent

Atypical Normokalemic Case of Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis in a Pediatric Patient

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by typical muscular symptoms, ranging from paresis to complete paralysis, commonly associated with low potassium blood levels (<3 mmol/l). It is more commonly reported in adult Asian individuals and can lead to life-threatening situations. Therefore, early clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy are of crucial importance. In this article, we report the case of a 17-year-old adolescent with a Vietnamese background and known Graves' disease who was admitted with typical TPP-related symptoms but no hypokalemia. After treatment with an antithyroid medication and oral potassium supplementation, no new episode of TPP was observed. Using next-generation sequencing, a genetic analysis of TPP-related ion channel genes (KCNJ2, KCNJ18, KCNE3, SCN4A, and CACNA1S) found no known/likely pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of quite normokalemic TPP in the pediatric population. Prompt diagnosis of TPP is essential to prevent harmful complications. Supplementation with potassium appears to be successful alongside non-selective beta-blockers. Normalization of thyroid function should be pursued to prevent new attacks, which is considered the best preventive measure.

Pyrroloquinoline-quinone to reduce fat accumulation and ameliorate obesity progression

Obesity is a major health concern worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase in several countries. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is naturally found in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement in its disodium crystal form. The potential health benefits of PQQ have been studied, considering its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, PQQ has been demonstrated to significantly influence the functions of mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production within cells, and their dysfunction is associated with various health conditions, including obesity complications. Here, we explore PQQ properties that can be exploited in obesity treatment and highlight the underlying molecular mechanisms. We review animal and cell culture studies demonstrating that PQQ is beneficial for reducing the accumulation of visceral and hepatic fat. In addition to inhibiting lipogenesis, PQQ can increase mitochondria number and function, leading to improved lipid metabolism. Besides diet-induced obesity, PQQ ameliorates programing obesity of the offspring through maternal supplementation and alters gut microbiota, which reduces obesity risk. In obesity progression, PQQ mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and obesity-associated inflammation, resulting in the amelioration of the progression of obesity co-morbidities, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Overall, PQQ has great potential as an anti-obesity and preventive agent for obesity-related complications. Although human studies are still lacking, further investigations to address obesity and associated disorders are still warranted.

Noninvasive ventilator prevents intubation in thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis-associated respiratory failure: A case report and literature review

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, often presents with limb muscle paralysis, hypokalemia with elevated-free T3, T4, and low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). We herein reported an unusual presentation of TPP with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. A 28-year-old female had complaints of nausea and vomiting. Laboratory investigations showed a serum potassium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Thyroid function test revealed the TSH level of 0.021 μlU/mL and free T4 at 2.01 ng/dL. She suddenly suffered from dyspnea and drowsiness. Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure with CO₂ retention was found. Noninvasive ventilation was used. Rapid correction of hypokalemia and administration of propylthiouracil, propranolol, and 5% Lugol's solution were performed. After the normalization of potassium levels, the patient's respiratory pattern stabilized and noninvasive ventilator (NIV) use was discontinued. Respiratory failure is an unusual but lethal complication of TPP. Rapid correction of hypokalemia and temporarily NIV can successfully avoid endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in an adolescent male: A case report and literature review

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is rarely seen in children and adolescents. Clinical manifestations in children and adolescents may vary. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this rare and life-threatening condition.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis with Sensory Deficits in Young African American Male: A Case Report and Literature Review

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a sporadic entity characterized by hypokalemia and paralysis in the setting of hyperthyroidism. TPP is most commonly described in young Asian males. Studies have shown an association with mutations affecting inward rectifying potassium channels. The pathophysiology involves Na⁺-K⁺- ATPase channel causing an increased intracellular shift of potassium ions in the hyperthyroid state and in the presence of another precipitating condition. Most cases of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis are defined in young Asian males of 20–40 years of age, here we present an interesting case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in 32-year-old African American male, who presented with sudden onset weakness in the bilateral lower extremity and left upper extremity. Interestingly, the patient also has sensory deficits, a feature not known to be associated with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis.

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis due to Graves' disease in 2 adolescents

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a notable and potentially lethal complication of thyrotoxicosis, and Graves' disease is the most common cause of TPP. TPP is commonly reported in Asian males between 20-40 years of age, but it is rare in children and adolescents. We report 2 Korean adolescents (a 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old female) with episodes of TPP who were previously diagnosed with Graves' disease. These 2 patients presented with lower leg weakness in the morning after waking up. They were diagnosed with TPP-associated with thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease. After they were initially treated with potassium chloride and antithyroid drugs, muscle paralysis improved and an euthyroid state without muscle paralytic events was maintained during follow-up. Therefore, clinicians should consider TPP when patients have sudden paralysis and thyrotoxic symptoms such as goiter, tachycardia, and hypertension.