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    Singapore Med J. 2005 Feb;46(2):88-9.

    Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis complicated by near-fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

    Loh KC, Pinheiro L, Ng KS.

    Loh Keh Chuan Diabetes Thyroid and Hormone Clinic, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510. lohkc@endocrinology.com.sg

    A 35-year-old Chinese man presented with acute thyrotoxic periodic paralysis complicated by near-fatal cardiac arrhythmias due to persistent hypokalaemia, despite maximum potassium supplementation. He was eventually resuscitated with external cadioversion. In this unusual case of severe refractory hypokalaemia leading to ventricular fibrillation in a patient with underlying thyrotoxicosis, the potential dangers concerning the use of dextrose infusion and beta-adrenergic agent for resuscitation are highlighted.

    PMID: 15678291 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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    Patient drug information

    • Potassium (Glu-K®, K+ 10®, K+ 8®, ...)

      Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney dis...

    • Thyroid (Armour® Thyroid)

      Thyroid is a hormone produced by the body. When taken correctly, thyroid is used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). Symptoms of hypothyr...

    • Propylthiouracil

      Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It also is taken before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.