Subclinical renal tubular dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome can affect a significant number of patients, the majority presenting with distal renal tubular acidosis (type 1). Such findings may be the first symptom of the auto-immune disease, and can contribute for a prolonged disease duration and severity. Potassium depletion resulting from distal renal tubular acidosis can be extremely severe, and can jeopardise patient's life, if its diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Hypocalemic periodic paralysis was observed in almost 40% of patients who suffer from Sjögren's syndrome and distal renal tubular acidosis. The case that follows describes a patient who was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome four years ago. Three days before being admitted to hospital, the patient complained that her lower limbs were numb and weak, and that breathing was difficult. Symptoms intensified, the patient was broght to the Intensive Care Unit, where the serum potassium was 2 mEq/L at admittance. Hypocalemic paralysis was diagnosed, and the patient was immediately treated with IV KCl 19.1% and supplementary oxygen by mask. Mechanical ventilation was not required. The patient was discharged with serum potassium corrected to 3.4 mEq/L.
hypokalemia; Sjögren's syndrome; renal tubular acidosis
