Sjogren’s syndrome presenting as hypokalemic periodic paralysis, a rare manifestation: A case series

Abstract

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic and slowly progressing autoimmune disease characterized by lyphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands resulting in Sicca syndrome (xerostomia and keratocunjuntivitis sicca). The disease can present alone or along with other autoimmune diseases leading to significant organ specific and systemic disease. Middle aged women (Female: Male: 9:1) are primarily affected. Extraglandular (systemic) manifestations are seen in one third of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. Among the extraglandular manifestations, renal involvement is commonly seen. Renal involvement in the form of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is more common compared to glomerular involvement. Distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is more common manifestation of TIN presenting as mild hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis, and rarely with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. We report three cases of hypokalemic periodic paralysis with metabolic acidosis, two in respiratory paralysis, diagnosed as distal RTA. On further evaluation of distal RTA, the patient diagnosed to have Sjogren’s syndrome and managed accordingly. Our report shows that Sjogren’s syndrome is a rare but important cause of hypokaemic periodic paralysis due to RTA.