Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Bartter syndrome

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Aldosterone level test
Aldosterone level test

Alternative Names    Return to top

Potassium wasting

Definition    Return to top

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.

See also: Aldosterone test

Causes    Return to top

In some cases, Bartter syndrome may be genetic and the condition is present from 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. Unlike other forms of kidney disease, this condition does not cause high blood pressure.

Symptoms    Return to top

This disease usually occurs in childhood. Symptoms include muscle cramping and weakness, constipation, increased frequency of urination, and growth failure.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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 mEq/L. Other signs of this syndrome include:

These same signs and symptoms can also occur in people who have taken too many diuretics or laxatives. Urine tests can be done to rule out these causes.

In Bartter syndrome, a biopsy of the kidney typically shows overgrowth of kidney cells called the juxtaglomerular apparatus. However, this is not found in all patients, especially in young children.

Treatment    Return to top

Bartter syndrome is treated by keeping the blood potassium level above 3.5 mEq/L. This is done by following a diet rich in potassium. Many patients also need salt and magnesium supplements, as well as medicine that block the kidney's ability to get rid of potassium. High doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may also be used.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The long term outlook for patients with Bartter syndrome is not certain. Infants who have severe growth failure may grow normally with treatment. While most patients remain well with ongoing treatment, some develop kidney failure.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Kidney failure is a possible complication.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if your child is not growing well, is urinating frequently, and is having muscle cramps.

Update Date: 11/16/2006

Updated by: David M. Charytan, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.