Sjögren's syndrome presenting as hypokalemic periodic paralysis

We describe a 21-year-old Hispanic woman who presented with hypokalemic paralysis as the initial manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Our review of the English literature revealed 12 previously reported cases of SS and renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Paralysis often preceded the sicca complex in those patients. Renal function in the patients with hypokalemic paralysis was reduced compared with that in patients who had primary SS and RTA but no history of hypokalemic paralysis (P < 0.002). Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare manifestation of SS. It is seen more often in patients with primary SS, may precede the classic sicca complex, and may serve as a clinical marker for more severe renal disease in patients who have primary SS and RTA.