Journal of nephrology
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Journal of nephrology · Mar 1998
ReviewGenotype-phenotype correlations in normotensive patients with primary renal tubular hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis.
Among the different forms of hereditary renal tubulopathies associated with hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and normotension, two main types of disorders have been identified: Gitelman disease, which appears to be a homogeneous post-Henle's loop disorder, and Bartter syndrome, a heterogeneous Henle loop disorder. A specific gene has been found responsible for Gitelman disease, encoding the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (TSC) of the distal convoluted tubule. From a phenotypic point of view the characteristic findings of this disease are hypocalciuria, hypomagnesemia and tetanic crises appearing during childhood or later. ⋯ However, these three genes do not explain all the patients with Bartter syndrome which unlike Gitelman disease, appears to be a very heterogeneous disorder. Clearance studies, especially if done during furosemide and/or hydrochlorothiazide administration, have been helpful in identifying the site of tubular involvement. Considering both phenotypic and genotypic data, we propose a clinical-pathophysiological and molecular approach to diagnose the different tubulopathies associated with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis.