THU228 Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis In Three Adolescent Males

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: E. Ra: None. J. Austin: None. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of hyperthyroidism associated with Graves disease. Paralysis is due to hypokalemia caused by overactivation of the sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ ATPase). TPP is usually seen in males between 20 - 40 years of age who are of Asian descent. We report 3 Hispanic American adolescent males, as young as 13 years old, who presented with TPP without an existing diagnosis of Graves disease. All three presented with leg weakness and were found to be hypokalemic and ultimately diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Each patient was supplemented with potassium, either intravenously or orally, with their symptoms resolving within 24 hours. Although TPP is most prevalent in Asian adult males, theorized to be due to an underlying genetic preposition related to a variant of the KCNJ18 gene, there are increasing reports of non - Asian adolescents presenting in TPP. Therefore, pediatric care providers should consider TPP in their differential if a patient presents with weakness and hypokalemia, even without a pre-existing diagnose of hyperthyroidism. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023