Alternative Names
Potassium wasting; Salt-wasting nephropathy
Definition of Bartter syndrome
Bartter syndrome refers to a group of rare conditions that affect the kidneys.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are five gene defects known to be associated with Bartter syndrome. The condition is present from before birth (congenital).
Symptoms
This disease usually occurs in childhood. Symptoms include:
Signs and tests
The diagnosis of Bartter syndrome is usually suspected by finding low levels of potassium in the blood. The potassium level is usually less than 2.5 mEq/L. Unlike other forms of kidney disease, this condition does not cause high blood pressure and there is a tendency toward low blood pressure. Other signs of this syndrome include:
Treatment
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 or taking potassium supplements.
Expectations (prognosis)
The long-term outlook for patients with Bartter syndrome is not certain. Infants who have severe growth failure may grow normally with treatment. Although most patients remain well with ongoing treatment, some develop kidney failure.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/30/2009
