Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Distal renal tubular acidosis

Renal tubular acidosis - distal; Renal tubular acidosis type I; Type I RTA; RTA - distal; Classical RTA

 

Distal renal tubular acidosis is a disease that occurs when the kidneys do not properly remove acids from the blood into the urine. As a result, too much acid remains in the blood (called acidosis ).

Causes

 

When the body performs its normal functions, it produces acid. If this acid is not removed or neutralized, the blood becomes too acidic. This can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the blood. It can also cause problems with normal function of some cells.

The kidneys help control the body's acid level by removing acid from the blood and excreting it into the urine.

Distal renal tubular acidosis (Type I RTA) is caused by a defect in the kidney tubes that causes acid to build up in the blood.

Type I RTA is caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Amyloidosis , a buildup of abnormal protein, called amyloid, in the tissues and organs
  • Fabry disease, an abnormal buildup in the body of a certain type of fatty substance
  • High level of calcium in the blood
  • Sickle cell disease , red blood cells that are normally shaped like a disk take on a sickle or crescent shape
  • Sjögren syndrome , an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus , an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue
  • Wilson disease , an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues
  • Use of certain medicines, such as amphotericin B, lithium, and analgesics

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of distal renal tubular acidosis include any of the following:

  • Confusion or decreased alertness
  • Fatigue
  • Impaired growth in children
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Kidney stones
  • Nephrocalcinosis (too much calcium deposited in the kidneys)
  • Osteomalacia (softening of the bones)
  • Muscle weakness

Other symptoms may include:

  • Bone pain
  • Decreased urine output
  • Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Pain in the back, flank, or abdomen
  • Skeletal abnormalities

 

Exams and Tests

 

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Tests that may be ordered include:

  • Arterial blood gas
  • Blood chemistry
  • Urine pH and acid-loading test
  • Urinalysis

 

Treatment

 

The goal is to restore normal acid level and electrolyte balance in the body. This will help correct bone disorders and reduce calcium buildup in the kidneys (nephrocalcinosis) and kidney stones.

The underlying cause of distal renal tubular acidosis should be corrected if it can be identified.

Medicines that may be prescribed include potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate. These are alkaline medicines that help correct the acidic condition of the body. Sodium bicarbonate may correct the loss of potassium and calcium.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The disorder must be treated to reduce its effects and complications, which can be permanent or life threatening. Most cases get better with treatment.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

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

Get medical help right away if you develop emergency symptoms such as:

  • Decreased consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Severe decrease in alertness or orientation

 

Prevention

 

There is no prevention for this disorder.

 

 

Open References

References

Krapf R, Seldin DW, Alpern RJ. Clinical syndromes of metabolic acidosis. In: Alpern RJ, Caplan M, Moe OW, eds. Seldin and Giebisch's The Kidney . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 59.

Sreedharan R, Avner ED. Renal tubular acidosis. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme, JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 529.

 
  • Kidney anatomy

    Kidney anatomy - illustration

    The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

    Kidney anatomy

    illustration

  • Kidney - blood and urine flow

    Kidney - blood and urine flow - illustration

    This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.

    Kidney - blood and urine flow

    illustration

    • Kidney anatomy

      Kidney anatomy - illustration

      The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

      Kidney anatomy

      illustration

    • Kidney - blood and urine flow

      Kidney - blood and urine flow - illustration

      This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.

      Kidney - blood and urine flow

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Distal renal tubular acidosis

         
         

        Review Date: 10/13/2015

        Reviewed By: Walead Latif DO, nephrologist, Medical Director of Fresenius Vascular Care, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.