Overlap syndrome of systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome presenting with distal renal tubular acidosis

K. Jayanth Murali Kandasamy; P. Sonipriya; Viknesh Prabu Anbalagan

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20252802

Authors

K. Jayanth Murali Kandasamy Department of General Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9142-869X
P. Sonipriya Department of General Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4080-7488
Viknesh Prabu Anbalagan Department of General Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7410-9522

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20252802

Keywords:

Distal renal tubular acidosis, Sjögren's syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare but clinically significant renal manifestation of autoimmune diseases, particularly overlap syndromes involving systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome. We report the case of a 33-years man who presented with acute limb weakness secondary to severe hypokalaemia. Her biochemical profile revealed normal anion gap metabolic acidosis and elevated urine pH, consistent with dRTA. Immunological testing and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of overlap syndrome involving SLE and Sjögren’s syndrome. She was successfully managed with potassium supplementation, immunomodulatory therapy, and symptomatic treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune aetiologies in patients with unexplained hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis, particularly in the presence of sicca symptoms.

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