II. Pathophysiology
- Distal Tubule fails to excrete ammonium
III. Causes
- Autosomal Dominant inherited disorder
- Acquired causes
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Nephrocalcinosis related disorders
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Medullary sponge Kidney
- Medications and Toxins
- Amphotericin B
- Lithium
- Toluene
IV. Signs
- Musculoskeletal weakness
- Recurrent Nephrolithiasis
V. Labs
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
-
Urine pH
- Elevated >5.5 despite Metabolic Acidosis
-
Serum Potassium
- Low or normal
-
Fractional Excretion of Bicarbonate
- FE-HCO3 <5%: Distal RTA
-
FE-HCO3 >15%: Proximal RTA
- Assumes serum bicarbonate >20 meq/L
VI. Management: Bicarbonate Supplementation
- Dose: 1-2 meq/kg/day
- Goal: Serum bicarbonate > 22 meq/L
- Corrects Hypokalemia