Abstract
At 1 month of age, dizygotic twins presented with failure to thrive, hyponatremic dehydration, and hyperkalemia. Renal function and glucocorticoid production were normal. Routine fluid and electrolyte replacement failed to correct the dehydration, and the administration of desoxycorticosterone gave no response. Urinary aldosterone levels were consistently elevated, and urinary excretion of sodium was disproportionately high. The patients responded to a daily supplementary intake of 3 g of sodium chloride, with correction of the hyponatremia and dehydration and return of serum potassium concentrations to normal. Salt supplementation was discontinued after 15 months. The twins continued to thrive on regular diet and maintained normal levels of serum sodium and potassium, yet their urinary and plasma aldosterone levels remained high. The observations suggest that the defect (1) may be familial and genetic, (2) may be caused by failure of the renal tubules to respond to aldosterone, and (3) is correctable by increased intake of sodium chloride.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Alvarez, M., Barnes, N. & Stickler, G. SALT WASTING NEPHROPATHY OR “PSEUDOHYPOALDOSTERONISM” IN TWINS. Pediatr Res 8, 453 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00678
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00678
This article is cited by
-
Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a child with Down syndrome. Long-term management of salt loss by ion exchange resin administration
European Journal of Pediatrics (1984)