Recurrent Hypokalemic Paralysis - An Interesting Cause

Recurrent hypokalemic paralysis is caused y either channelopathies or by conditions associated with recurrent or persistent renal or non renal losses of potassium. Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is one of the causes of renal potassium loss leading to hyokalemia. One of the important presentations of dRTA is recurrent hypokalemic weakness, which can be life threatening.a We would like to present one such case of recurrent hypokalemic paralysis with respiratory weakness secondary to dRTA. Type 1 or dRTA involves impaired distal acidification of urine. dRTA often presents as renal stone disease with nephrocalcinosis in adults, rickets and growth retardation in children with ultimate short stature in adulthood. Our case is a 19-year-old male who had features of dRTA like recurrent hypokalemic paralysis, metabolic acidosis, stunted growth, rickets and nephrocalcinosis.