Hepatitis C infection and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis--a novel use of an old drug

Am J Med Sci. 2008 Dec;336(6):515-8. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181643e3d.

Abstract

Hypokalaemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is an enigmatic and uncommon condition which occurs exclusively in males of Asian descent. The underlying causes of thyrotoxicosis may be any of the well-recognized etiologies including a toxic multinodular goiter, Graves' disease or iodine excess. Beside thyrotoxicosis, a number of other hormonal factors have been hypothesized to contribute to hypokalaemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, particularly postprandial hyperinsulinaemia and testosterone. We hereby present a case of a 48-year-old hepatitis C positive gender-assigned man in whom all of these factors are proposed to interact, lending further support to these hypotheses. The patient presented with interferon-induced thyroiditis causing acute generalized weakness whilst undergoing combination interferon-alpha-2beta and ribavirin therapy. As part of his hepatitis C infection, marked insulin resistance with hyperinsulinaemia was also present, exacerbating the paresis. Initial treatment with beta-blocker failed to normalize his serum potassium concentration, requiring the novel use of spironolactone, despite euthyroidism. This continued to be required until his testosterone supplement dissipated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diuretics / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis* / drug therapy
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spironolactone / therapeutic use*
  • Transsexualism

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Spironolactone