Anesthetic Management in Familial Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Case Report

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP) is the rarer of two forms of potassium-associated familial paralysis characterized by episodic flaccid weakness secondary to an increase in serum potassium. The rarest of the dyskalemic paralyzes, the incidence of the hyperkalemic variety has been estimated to be 1:500,000. Known precipitating factors are potassium intake, fasting, hypothermia, infection, stress, rest after exercise, and anesthesia. The key to successful management is avoidance of triggering factors, vigilant monitoring of potassium, and aggressive treatment of hyperkalemia. We present a case of a 41-year-old male with HyperPP who underwent general anesthesia successfully.