Hypokalemic periodic paralysis: 2 novel causes

Abstract

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder of muscle characterized by episodes of mild to severe muscle weakness associated with hypokalemia. The defect lies in the voltagegated calcium or sodium ion channels which are mutated, resulting in abnormal sarcolemmal excitation. Upper respiratory tract infections both viral and bacterial are known to trigger a bout of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, but there is paucity of literature on chickenpox (varicella) and dengue fever precipitating such an attack. The following cases highlight this unusual presentation.