Sporadic distal renal tubular acidosis and periodic hypokalaemic paralysis in Kashmir

Abstract

Twenty-one cases of renal tubular acidosis presenting with periodic hypokalaemic muscular weakness, that were seen over an 8-year period, are presented. The biochemical features suggested a diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis and absence of family history with negative screening of eighteen families pointed towards the primary sporadic nature of the disorder in nineteen of the cases. Alkali and replacement potassium therapy resulted in immediate and sustained clinical recovery in all the cases.