title: [Gitelman's syndrome--a differential diagnosis in hypokalemia].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gitelman's syndrome is a rare disease characterised by low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter in the distal collecting duct.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present four patients (two brothers and two sisters) with Gitelman's syndrome and review the literature regarding the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gitelman's syndrome should be considered in patients with persistently low levels of potassium and magnesium. The diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing.
authors.affiliation: Medisinsk avdeling, Nordlandssykehuset HF, 8092 Bodø. anders.hovland@nordlandssykehuset.no
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hovland
authors.forename: Eyvind
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bjørbaek
authors.forename: Trond P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Leren
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male