Alternative names: Potassium wasting

Definition: Bartter Syndrome refers to a rare group of conditions that affect the kidneys. People with Bartter Syndrome have a loss of Potassium (hypokalemic alkalosis) and a rise in the hormone aldosterone.

Causes:
In some cases Bartter Syndrome may be genetic and the condition is present before birth (congenital).
The condition is thought to be caused by a defect in the kidney's ability to reabsorb potassium. As a result, the kidneys remove too much potassium from the body. This is also known as Potassium wasting.

Symptoms:
This disease usually occurs in childhood and the Symptoms include:

• Constipation
  
• Growth failure
  
• Increased frequency of urination
  
• Muscle cramping and weakness.
  

Exams and tests:



The diagnosis of bartter syndrome is usually made by finding low levels of potassium in the blood. The potassium level is usually less than 2.5 mmol/L unlike other forms of kidney disease, this condition dose not cause high blood pressure. Other signs of this syndrome include:

• High levels of potassium, calcium & chloride in the urine
  
• High levels of the hormones renin & aldosterone in the blood.
  
• Low blood chloride
  
• Metabolic alkalosis
  

These same signs and symptoms can also occour in people who have taken too many diuretics and laxatives. Urine tests can be done to rule out these causes.
In bartter syndrome a biopsy of the kidney typically shows too much growth of kidney cells called the juxtaglomerular apparatus. However, this is not found in all patients, especially in young children.

Treatment:
Bartter Syndrome is treated by keeping the blood potassium levels above 3.5 mmol/L.
This is done by the following a diet rich in potassium.
Many patients also needs salt & magnesium supplements, as well as medicine that blocks the kidney's ability to get rid of potassium. High doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be also used.

Possible complications:
Kidney failure is a possible complication.

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