Bartter syndrome

Bartter syndrome is a group of rare conditions that affect the kidneys.

Causes

There are five gene defects known to be associated with Bartter syndrome. The condition is present at birth (congenital).

The condition is caused by a defect in the kidneys' ability to reabsorb sodium. Persons affected by Bartter syndrome lose too much sodium through the urine. This causes a rise in the level of the hormone aldosterone, and makes the kidneys remove too much potassium from the body. This is known as potassium wasting.

The condition also results in an abnormal acid balance in the blood called hypokalemic alkalosis, which causes too much calcium in the urine

Symptoms

This disease usually occurs in childhood. Symptoms include:

• Constipation
• Growth failure
• Increased frequency of urination
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney stone
• Muscle cramping and weakness