Hypokalemic flaccid paralysis as the presenting symptom of autoimmune interstitial nephropathy

We describe a patient who presented dramatically with life-threatening hypokalemic flaccid paralysis. Following resuscitation, extensive investigation showed that the patient had lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) of which she was unaware. A search for the cause of the profound hypokalemia led to the finding of obligatory renal potassium wasting due to distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA), secretory type. The acid base status of the patient showed hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis compatible with distal renal tubular acidosis. Our case is a further proof that patients with 'overlap syndrome' (SLE-SS) may have RTA, which may lead to life-threatening hypokalemia. Others have shown that the SLE-SS complex may occasionally be complicated by hyperkalemia. Thus, an autoimmune disease that is relatively common may present with devastating electrolyte abnormalities.