Research

On different places around the world, research groups are trying to search for the cause and the mechanism of the genetic defect. As a spin off, the try to find out what best can be done to help the patient, or better, what medication helps the patient most

Up till now, there are a few known genes by which the Potassium levels are influenced. These genes are probed on patients who are suspected to have a form of Hypokalemia. This is not conclusive. Because the Potassium controlling mechanisms are not very well known, the researchers solved only a very small part of the riddle. This means that only a few gene pairs are known, for example, The Anderson-Tawil Syndrom.

Negative results from the gene probing will not mean that the patient is healthy. It is also possible that the patient suffers from a not yet discovered variance of hypokalemia.

In Ulm, Germany, Dr. F. Lehmann-Horn does a lot of research. His work is globally recognized as a guideline. Besides him, there are only a few other research centers involved in the research to Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis.

To regulate the potasium levels, patients get a mix of different prescribed medicine. These are: Potassiumchloride potion (75 mmol/ml), Triamtereen, Diamox, Potassiumbicarbonaat, Daranide and a strict diet in which the production of insulin is controlled.

Still, a lot of research is needed to learn what effect food has on the Potassium levels in the body.

Although experience learns that the influence of food is immense, relative less research is done.