Bartter’s syndrome

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Aldosterone level test

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Bartter’s syndrome

Definition:

Bartter's syndrome involves a group of symptoms and signs:

Enlargement of certain kidney cells
Alkalosis associated with reduced potassium (hypokalemic alkalosis)
Increased production of the hormone aldosterone (see the aldosterone test)

There is no elevation of blood pressure with Bartter's syndrome, which usually occurs with kidney disease.

Alternative Names:

Potassium wasting

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of Bartter's syndrome is not known. In some cases, it 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, an excessive amount of potassium is excreted from the body. This is also known as potassium wasting.

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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