[Gitelman's syndrome--a differential diagnosis in hypokalemia].
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.
Hovland
Anders
A
Medisinsk avdeling, Nordlandssykehuset HF, 8092 Bodø. anders.hovland@nordlandssykehuset.no
Bjørbaek
Eyvind
E
Leren
Trond P
TP
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