How to Barttner Syndrome Treatment

Barttner syndrome is a disorder where the kidneys dispose of electrolytes (potassium, sodium and chloride) in excessive amounts, so that the levels of potassium in the blood becomes low (hypokalemia) and the hormone aldosterone and renin levels high.

CAUSE
Barttner syndrome is usually a hereditary disease and is caused by recessive genes. Patients get 2 of these genes from both parents.

SYMPTOMS
Children grow slowly and appear malnourished. Muscle weakness, feeling of excessive thirst, removing large amounts of urine and the mentally retarded.

Sodium chloride and water levels in the blood becomes low.
Body tries to compensate by producing more of aldosterone and renin. These hormones cause decreased levels of potassium in the blood.

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis based on symptoms and laboratory results showed abnormalities in potassium and hormone levels in the blood.

TREATMENT
Symptoms can be prevented by consuming potassium by mouth (swallowed) and drugs that reduce the removal of potassium into the urine, such as spironolactone (also inhibits aldosterone work), triamteren, amiloride, propranolol or indometacin. To compensate for the loss of fluid overload, patients should drink plenty of water.