POTASSIUM AND PERIODIC PARALYSIS

Abstract

The authors studied the metabolism of a patient with this condition in whom 2 attacks were induced by the ingestion of 300 g. of glucose. The attacks were accompanied by a falling serum K as well as a falling urinary excretion of K. The P levels followed the same pattern. Their studies suggest that K is necessary for phases of inter- mediate carbohydrate metabolism which take place in the liver. The sudden flooding with glucose results in the withdrawal of K from the muscles and a paralysis results.