pediatrics
Familial Periodic Paralysis
Treatment of Familial Periodic Paralysis
Varies with type and severity Episodes of paralysis are managed by givingpotassium chloride2 to 10 g in an unsweetened oral solution or givingpotassium chlorideIV. Following a low-carbohydrate, low-sodium diet, avoiding strenuous activity, avoiding alcohol after periods of rest, and takingacetazolamidedaily may help prevent hypokalemic episodes. IV (see also Moderate to severe hyperkalemia ). Regularly ingesting carbohydrate-rich, low-potassium meals and avoiding fasting, strenuous activity after meals, and cold exposure help prevent hyperkalemic episodes. Acute episodes are treated withpotassium chloride, and serum potassium levels are closely monitored. Episodes are prevented by maintaining a euthyroid state (see Treatment ) and giving beta-blockers (eg, In addition to lifestyle changes, including tightly controlled levels of exercise or activity, episodes may be prevented by giving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (eg,acetazolamide). The major complication of Andersen-Tawil syndrome is sudden death resulting from cardiac arrhythmias, and a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may be required to control cardiac symptoms. 