From Hypokalemic Crisis to Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Renal involvement occurs in approximately 5% of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS). We report the case of a 20-year-old African woman who developed paraplegia secondary to hypokalemia. The diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis type 1 complicated by hypokalemia was made. After a search for the cause of renal tubular acidosis type 1, a diagnosis of primary SS was made. The patient received symptomatic treatment consisting of potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, hydration and a low protein diet. In terms of treatment, she was put on corticosteroid and hydroxychloroquine. The outcome was favorable with correction of acidosis and hypokalemia. World J Nephrol Urol. 2021;10(1):15-17 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjnu423