A Simple and Rapid Approach to Hypokalemic Paralysis

Hypokalemia with paralysis (HP) is a potentially reversible medical emergency. It is primarily the result of either hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) caused by an enhanced shift of potassium (K⁺) into cells or non-HPP resulting from excessive K⁺ loss. Failure to make a distinction between HPP and non-HPP could lead to improper management. The use of spot urine for K⁺ excretion rate and evaluation of blood acid-base status could be clinically beneficial in the diagnosis and management. A very low rate of K⁺ excretion coupled with the absence of a metabolic acid-base disorder suggests HPP, whereas a high rate of K⁺ excretion accompanied by either metabolic alkalosis or metabolic acidosis favors non-HPP. The therapy of HPP requires only small doses of potassium chloride (KCI) to avoid rebound hyperkalemia. In contrast, higher doses of KCI should be administered to replete the large K⁺ deficiency in non-HPP.