[Clinical analysis of drug-induced Pseudo-Bartter's syndrome: a report of five cases].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Pseudo-Bartter's syndrome and explore its pathogenesis.

METHODS

The clinical data of 5 cases of Pseudo-Bartter's syndrome at our ward from May 2008 to December 2010 was analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All patients were female. Long-term regimen of purgative or diuretics was prescribed. The clinical features included normotension, hypokalemic alkalosis and activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone. The pathological results of 3 cases of kidney biopsy showed the hyperplasia of juxtaglomerular apparatus, thickness of arteriole, infiltration of lymphocytes and monocytes and degeneration of renal tubule. Upon a definitive diagnosis, purgative or diuretics was discontinued and supplement therapy of potassium chloride initiated. The results of laboratory tests reverted to normal ranges within 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Purgative or diuretics should be prescribed appropriately to avoid the occurrence of Pseudo-Bartter's syndrome.