z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Transient Pseudohypoaldosteronism due to Urinary Tract Infection in Infancy: A Report of 4 Cases
Author(s) -
R. Nandagopal,
Priya Vaidyanathan,
Paul B. Kaplowitz
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of pediatric endocrinology/international journal of pediatric endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1687-9856
pISSN - 1687-9848
DOI - 10.1186/1687-9856-2009-195728
Subject(s) - medicine , pseudohypoaldosteronism , urinary system , pediatrics , transient (computer programming) , intensive care medicine , hyperkalemia , computer science , operating system

Hyponatremia with hyperkalemia in infancy is an uncommon but life-threatening occurrence. In the first weeks of life, this scenario is often associated with aldosterone deficiency due to salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, alternative diagnoses involving inadequate mineralocorticoid secretion or action must be considered, particularly for infants one month of age or older. We report four infants who presented with profound hyponatremia accompanied by urinary tract infection, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of transient pseudohypoaldosteronism. Our cases provide support for the idea that the renal tubular resistance to aldosterone is due to urinary tract infection itself rather than to underlying urinary tract anomalies typically found in these infants. Awareness of this condition is important so that serum aldosterone, urine sodium, and urine cultures may be obtained immediately in any infant presenting with hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in whom a diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was not found. Adequate replacement with intravenous saline and antibiotic therapy is sufficient to correct sodium levels over 24–48 hours.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here