• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.120-131
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• 2010

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a metabolic acidosis due to impaired excretion of hydrogen ion, or reabsorption of bicarbonate, or both by the kidney. These renal tubular abnormalities can occur as an inherited disease or can result from other disorders or toxins that affect the renal tubules. Disorders of bicarbonate reclamation by the proximal tubule are classified as proximal RTA, whereas disorders resulting from a primary defect in distal tubular net hydrogen secretion or from a reduced buffer trapping in the tubular lumen are called distal RTA. Hyperkalemic RTA may occur as a result of aldosterone deficiency or tubular insensitivity to its effects. The clinical classification of renal tubular acidosis has been correlated with our current physiological model of how the nephron excretes acid, and this has facilitated genetic studies that have identified mutations in several genes encoding acid and base ion transporters. Growth retardation is a consistent feature of RTA in infants. Identification and correction of acidosis are important in preventing symptoms and guide approved genetic counseling and testing.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.115-119
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• 2020

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare renal tubular disorder characterized by normal anion gap metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, and high urine pH. It can be inherited or acquired. In untreated pediatric patients with dRTA, rickets and growth retardation are common. We report the case of a 12-year-old Lao girl who presented with typical clinical features of dRTA with severe bone deformities that developed after a bed-ridden state due to a bicycle accident at the age of 8 years. Initial laboratory tests revealed metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap, hypokalemia, and alkali urine. Renal ultrasonography revealed bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis. Whole exome sequencing revealed no pathogenic mutations. After treatment with oral alkali, potassium, and vitamin D, she could walk and run. Later, she underwent corrective orthopedic surgeries for bony deformities. Thus, in pediatric dRTA patients, despite severe symptoms remaining untreated, accurate diagnosis and proper management can improve quality of life.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.63-67
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• 2004

A 5-year-old girl was admitted because of an acute onset of weakness in her extremities. She had experienced a similar episode before but had recovered spontaneously. She had previously been diagnosed with distal renal tubular acidosis(RTA) at the age of 2 months. During the period of acute paralysis, her serum potassium level was 1.8 mmol/L and the muscle enzymes were markedly raised suggesting massive rhabdomyolysis. Although hypokalemia is common in renal tubular acidosis, acute paralytic presentation is uncommon and is rarely described in children. We report a case of distal RTA complicated with hypokalemic paralysis with a brief review of related literatures.