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Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis and anaesthesia
Author(s) -
ASHWOOD E. M.,
RUSSELL W. J.,
BURROW D. D.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1992.tb02327.x
Subject(s) - medicine , paralysis , anesthesia , periodic paralysis , potassium , general anaesthesia , surgery , chemistry , organic chemistry
Summary Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis is the rarer of the two forms of potassium‐associated familial paralysis. We report a family with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis with paramyotonia and the anaesthetic management of four affected members. In three of these, paralytic episodes had been precipitated by previous anaesthesia, but this was avoided in the anaesthetics described. We conclude from our experiences that with depletion of potassium before surgery, prevention of carbohydrate depletion, avoidance of potassium‐releasing anaesthetic drugs and maintenance of normothermia, patients with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis can be anaesthetised without complications. We have no evidence that they exhibit abnormal sensitivity to nondepolarising neuromuscular relaxants.