Andersen-Tawil syndrome medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]; Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]
Medical Therapy
Management of individuals with ATS requires the coordinated input of a neurologist familiar with the treatment of periodic paralysis and a cardiologist familiar with the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. To date, no randomized clinical therapeutic trials have been conducted on ATS.
Management of attacks of episodic weakness depends on the associated serum potassium concentration:
- If the serum potassium concentration is low (<3.0 mmol/L), administration of oral potassium (20-30 mEq/L) every 15-30 minutes until the serum concentration normalizes often shortens the attack. Monitoring of serum potassium concentrations and ECG may be useful during potassium replacement therapy in an emergency setting to avoid secondary hyperkalemia.
- Attacks of weakness when serum potassium concentration is high usually resolve within 60 minutes. Episodes may be shortened by ingesting carbohydrates or continuing mild exercise. Intravenous calcium gluconate is rarely necessary for management in an individual seen in an emergency setting.
Vasovagal syncope in individuals with ATS mandates a careful cardiology assessment.