Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis
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Definition
Proximal renal tubular acidosis is a condition that occurs when the kidneys don't properly remove acids in the urine, leaving too much acid in the blood.
Alternative Names
Renal tubular acidosis - proximal; Type II RTA; RTA - proximal; Renal tubular acidosis type II
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
When your body performs its normal functions, it produces acid. If this acid is not removed or neutralized, your blood will become too acidic. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the blood.
Your kidneys help control your body's acid level by removing acid from the blood and sending it into your urine. Acidic substances in the body are counteracted by alkaline substances, primarily bicarbonate.
Proximal renal tubular acidosis (Type II RTA) occurs when bicarbonate is not properly reabsorbed by the the kidney's filtering system, leaving the body in an acidic state (called acidosis).
Type II RTA is less common than Type I RTA. It most often occurs during infancy, and may go away by itself.
Causes of type II RTA include:
Cystinosis
Drugs such as ifosfamide (a chemotherapy drug), outdated tetracycline, aminoglycoside antibiotics, or acetazolamide
Inherited fructose intolerance
Multiple myeloma
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Sjogren syndrome
Vitamin D deficiency
References
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.
Review Date: 12/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Renal tubular acidosis - proximal; Type II RTA; RTA - proximal; Renal tubular acidosis type II
Symptoms
Other symptoms can include:
Signs and tests
Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries may suggest metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances, most often low levels of potassium or bicarbonate.
Other tests that may be done include:
This disease may also change the results of the following tests:
References
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.
Review Date: 12/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Renal tubular acidosis - proximal; Type II RTA; RTA - proximal; Renal tubular acidosis type II
Treatment
The goal is to restore the normal pH (acid-base level) and electrolyte balance to the body. This will indirectly correct bone disorders and reduce the risk of osteomalacia and osteopenia in adults.
Some adults may need no treatment. All children need alkaline medication to prevent acid-induced bone disease, such as rickets, and to allow normal growth. The underlying cause should be corrected if it can be found.
Alkaline medications include sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate. They correct the acidic condition of the body and correct low blood potassium levels. Thiazide diuretics may indirectly decrease bicarbonate loss but may worsen the low blood potassium levels.
Vitamin D and calcium supplements may be needed to help reduce skeletal deformities resulting from osteomalacia or rickets.
Expectations (prognosis)
Although the underlying cause of proximal renal tubular acidosis may go away by itself, the effects and complications can be permanent or life-threatening. Treatment is usually successful.
Complications
- Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia
- Osteomalacia
- Rickets
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of proximal renal tubular acidosis.
Get medical help immediately if you develop any of the following emergency symptoms:
References
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.
Review Date: 12/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Renal tubular acidosis - proximal; Type II RTA; RTA - proximal; Renal tubular acidosis type II
Prevention
Most of the disorders that cause proximal renal tubular acidosis are not preventable.
References
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 120.
Review Date: 12/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 12/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.