Renal tubular acidosis: a new look at an old problem.
Although the definition of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is simple, understanding the physiologic basis underlying the various types of this clinical entity is much more difficult. The pathophysiology of this disorder is reviewed using the normal acid-base functions of the involved segments of the nephron as a guide to understanding. Clinical and laboratory features of the subtypes of RTA are addressed, and diagnosis and treatment discussed. New developments in the knowledge and understanding of the associated growth disturbances, mineral metabolism, and molecular biology of RTA are also reviewed to provide the most current view of this relatively common pediatric entity.
Roth
K S
KS
Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, MCV Campus, Richmond 23298-0239, USA.
Chan
J C
JC
D000141:Acidosis, Renal Tubular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007686:Kidney Tubules, Distal / Q000502:physiology; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000502:physiology; D027982:Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
C498898:SLC4A4 protein, human; D027982:Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters