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Proximal renal tubular acidosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Kidney anatomy
Kidney anatomy
Kidney - blood and urine flow
Kidney - blood and urine flow

Alternative Names    Return to top

Renal tubular acidosis - proximal; Type II RTA; RTA - proximal; Renal tubular acidosis type II

Definition    Return to top

Proximal renal tubular acidosis is a condition that occurs when the kidneys don't properly remove acids in the urine, leaving the blood too acidic.

Causes    Return to top

Your kidneys help regulate your body's acid-base balance (pH). Acidic substances in the body are buffered (counteracted) by alkaline substances, primarily bicarbonate.

The kidneys contain more than a million filtering units, called nephrons. Bicarbonate is reabsorbed into the blood in the nearest (proximal) tubule of each nephron. Proximal renal tubular acidosis (Type II RTA) occurs when bicarbonate isn't properly reabsorbed by the proximal tubules, leaving the body in an acidic state (called acidosis).

Type II RTA is less common than Type I RTA. It most often occurs during infancy, and may go away by itself.

Causes of type II RTA include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Other symptoms can include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

This disease may also change the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal is to restore the normal pH (acid-base level) and electrolyte balance to the body. This will indirectly correct bone disorders and reduce the risk of osteomalacia and osteopenia in adults.

Some adults may need no treatment. All children need alkaline medication to prevent bone disease (rickets in particular) and to allow normal growth. The underlying cause should be corrected if it can be found.

Alkaline medications include sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate. They correct the acidic condition of the body and correct low potassium levels. Thiazide diuretics may indirectly decrease bicarbonate loss but may increase the low potassium levels.

Vitamin D and calcium supplements may be needed to help reduce skeletal deformities resulting from osteomalacia or rickets.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Although the underlying cause of proximal renal tubular acidosis may go away by itself, the effects and complications can be permanent or life-threatening. Treatment is usually successful.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of proximal renal tubular acidosis.

Get medical help immediately if you develop any of the following emergency symptoms:

Prevention    Return to top

Most of the disorders that cause proximal renal tubular acidosis are not preventable.

Update Date: 11/12/2007

Updated by: Charles Silberberg, D.O., Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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