Distal renal tubular acidosis secondary to vesico-ureteric reflux: A case report with review of literature

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2018 Sep-Oct;29(5):1240-1244. doi: 10.4103/1319-2442.243943.

Abstract

Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is the most common congenital anomaly of the urinary tract that occurs in 30%-50% of children presenting with recurrent urinary tract infections. Long-standing untreated VUR results in renal scarring and hydronephrotic changes ultimately leading to chronic renal failure and arterial hypertension. However, it may also result in diffuse tubulopathy compromising the concentrating capacity of tubules and urinary acidification defects. Renal tubular dysfunction should be considered in all children with VUR presenting with failure to thrive, rickets, bony deformity/pain, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. We report such a case of a 16-year-old male adolescent who presented with rickets, failure to gain weight and height, bony pains, and muscle weakness with a history of VUR. On investigation, he was found to have normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia suggestive of distal renal tubular acidosis. He responded well to oral alkali and potassium replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / diagnostic imaging
  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / etiology*
  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / physiopathology
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Alkalies / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / etiology
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal* / drug effects
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal* / pathology
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Potassium / administration & dosage
  • Sodium Bicarbonate / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / complications*
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / diagnosis
  • Vesico-Ureteral Reflux / physiopathology

Substances

  • Alkalies
  • Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Potassium