Case Report

Apparently Persistent Weakness After Recurrent Hypokalemic Paralysis: A Tale of Two Disorders

Authors: Nandhagopal Ramachandiran, DM

Abstract

Abstract: A 19-year-old woman presented with recurrent hypokalemic paralysis, followed by apparently persistent symptoms due to coexisting osteomalacia. Distal renal tubular acidosis type 1 (dRTA1) linked the metabolic abnormalities and occurred as an extraglandular feature of Sjögren syndrome (SS). This case highlights the fact that in the setting of recurrent hypokalemia, apparently progressive weakness should be distinguished from primary hypokalemic paralysis and evaluated for dRTA1, as the metabolic alterations are potentially treatable. Further dRTA1 may precede the occurrence of sicca syndrome in SS.


Key Points


* Evaluation of the underlying cause(s) of hypokalemic paralysis has therapeutic and prognostic implications.


* Progressive weakness and pain after recurrent hypokalemic paralysis may point towards coexisting osteomalacia complicating distal renal tubular acidosis type 1.


* Sjögren syndrome may rarely present with distal renal tubular acidosis type 1 preceding sicca syndrome.

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