Iodine-induced thyrotoxic hypokalemic paralysis after ingestion of Salicornia herbace |
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Authors: | Seong Eun Yun Yeojin Kang Eun Jin Bae Kyungo Hwang Ha Nee Jang Hyun Seop Cho |
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Institution: | Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital
JinjuSouth Korea |
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Abstract: | A 56-year-old Korean man visited to emergency room due to paroxysmal flaccid paralysis in his lower extremities. There was no family or personal history of periodic paralysis. His initial potassium levels were 1.8?mmol/L. The patient had been taking Salicornia herbacea for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Results of a thyroid function test were as follows: T3?=?130.40?ng/dL, TSH?=?0.06?mIU/L, and free T4?=?1.73?ng/dL. A thyroid scan exhibited a decreased uptake (0.6%). His symptoms clearly improved and serum potassium levels increased to 4.4?mmol/L by intravenous infusion of only 40?mmol of potassium chloride. Eight months after the discontinuation of only Salicornia herbacea, the patient’s thyroid function tests were normalized. Large amounts of iodine can induce hypokalemic thyrotoxic paralysis and it may be necessary to inquire about the ingestion of iatrogenic iodine compounds, such as Salicornia herbacea. |
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Keywords: | Hypokalemia hyperthyroidism iodine nutraceuticals paralysis |
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