Normokalemic periodic paralysis revisited: does it exist?

Ann Neurol. 2002 Aug;52(2):251-2. doi: 10.1002/ana.10257.

Abstract

Normokalemic periodic paralysis (normoKPP) is well established in the literature, but there are doubts as to whether it exists as a discrete entity. Retrospective clinical and molecular analysis has confirmed suspicions that most normoKPP families actually have a variant of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (hyperKPP) due to a mutation of the muscle-specific sodium channel gene (SCN4A). However, the original normoKPP family described by Poskanzer and Kerr (Poskanzer DC, Kerr DNS. A third type of periodic paralysis, with normokalemia and favourable response to sodium chloride. Am J Med 1961;31:328-342) has remained unchallenged. We identified the Met1592Val mutation of SCN4A in an affected descendent of this original normoKPP family. This is the final piece in the puzzle: normoKPP is actually a variant of hyperKPP and is not a distinct disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence / genetics
  • Electromyography
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
  • Paralyses, Familial Periodic / blood*
  • Paralyses, Familial Periodic / diagnosis
  • Paralyses, Familial Periodic / genetics*
  • Potassium / blood*
  • Reference Values
  • Sodium Channels / genetics*

Substances

  • NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
  • SCN4A protein, human
  • Sodium Channels
  • Potassium