title: Acquired bartter-like syndrome associated with gentamicin administration.
abstract: Although acute nonoliguric renal failure is a well-known nephrotoxic effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics, less recognized is acquired Bartter-like syndrome. Herein, we describe four female patients who presented with marked paresthesia, muscle weakness, and tetany following gentamicin therapy with total dose ranging from 1.2 g to 2.6 g. All were normotensive. Biochemical abnormalities included hypokalemia (K+ 1.8-2.3 mmol/L), metabolic alkalosis (HCO(3-) 31.9-34.2 mmol/L), hypomagnesemia (Mg2+ 0.9-1.2 mg/dL), hypermagnesiuria (fractional excretion of Mg 3-6%), hypocalcemia (free Ca2+ 2.0-4.1 mg/dL), and hypercalciuria (molar ratio of Ca2+/creatinine 0.23-0.53), all consistent with Bartter-like syndrome. Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentration was low despite the hypocalcemia. The Bartter-like syndrome lasted for 2 to 6 weeks after cessation of gentamicin, coupled with supplementation of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. These biochemical abnormalities resembled those seen in patients with gain-of-function mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor. We hypothesize that gentamicin, a polyvalent cationic molecule, induces the action of calcium-sensing receptor on the thick ascending loop of Henle and distal convoluted tubule to cause renal wasting of Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, and Mg2+.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Chu-Lin
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Yeong-Hwang
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chau
authors.forename: Shih-Hua
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001477:Bartter Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins