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Hypokalaemia and failure to thrive: report of a misleading onset
Author(s) -
Conti Giovanni,
Vitale Agata,
Tedeschi Silvana,
Syrén MarieLouise,
Pantano Roberta,
Chimenz Roberto,
Fede Salvatore,
La Torre Francesco,
Coviello Domenico,
Fede Carmelo
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2009.01684.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hypocalciuria , hypokalemia , hypomagnesemia , metabolic alkalosis , failure to thrive , bartter syndrome , pediatrics , gitelman syndrome , bartter's syndrome , girl , differential diagnosis , thiazide , gastroenterology , endocrinology , pathology , magnesium , diuretic , psychology , developmental psychology , materials science , metallurgy
Aim: We report a case of Gitelman Syndrome (GS) in a 9‐year‐old girl, previously diagnosed as a Bartter syndrome at one year of life. Methods: She had been treated with potassium, for over 8 years and was admitted because of fatigue, numbness and weakness of both legs. The patient has typical laboratory findings, including hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria, thus GS was suspected. Results: Genetic analysis was performed two mutations IVS9(+1)G>T were detected in the thiazide‐sensitive Na‐Cl cotransporter (TSC) gene (SLC12A3), thus she was diagnosed as having GS. She was treated with oral potassium and magnesium supplements with resolution of the symptoms. Conclusion: This case reminded us that doctors should be alert to the initial presentation of renal tubular diseases. Detailed electrolyte analysis, hormone evaluations and clinic follow‐up are mandatory for their correct differential diagnosis.