Hypokalemic paralysis associated with distal renal tubular acidosis.

A 68-year-old man had hydronephrosis due to ureteral stones for two months earlier and then increasing muscle weakness developed. A 30-year-old woman had rapidly progressive quadriparesis. In both cases, severe hypokalemia with metabolic acidosis was observed and the diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis was made. The former was considered to be an idiopathic incomplete form and the latter was a secondary complete form associated with Sjögren syndrome. Hypokalemic paralysis may occur as a complication of distal renal tubular acidosis.