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Bartter syndrome

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Potassium wasting

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

• Review Date: 11/16/2006
• Reviewed 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.

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