Abstract
Introduction :
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) type 1 is a syndrome of failure to acidify urine by the distal
tubules characterized by metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, while the serum
anion gap and glomerular function are normal. The clinical picture of RTA can be growth
disturbance, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dehydration and polyuria. However,
RTA itself often goes undiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms. During the last 20 years,
only 12 cases of RTA were reported, consisting of 6 men and 6 women.
Case report:
A 19-year-old male patient has been reported with complaints of weakness in all four limbs,
nausea and vomiting, diarrhea. The patient had the same complaint 6 months ago and
received potassium supplements. On physical examination, the motor strength of the upper
limbs was 333/333, the lower limbs were 333/333. The ECG showed a normal sinus rhythm
and ST depression was found in almost all leads. On investigation, it was found that there
was a decrease in potassium levels, an increase in chloride, metabolic acidosis and an
increase in TTKG, an ultrasound of the kidneys revealed an acute kidney with bilateral
nephrolithiasis. The patient was given potassium drip therapy and potassium supplements as
well as sodium bicarbonate.
Discussion :
The diagnosis of RTA Type 1 in this patient was established based on history, physical
examination and laboratory examination, namely based on a hypokalemic pathway approach
with low HCO3-. After corrected hypokalemia, the weakness of all four limbs improved,
HCO3- had a slight increase with the results of a fully compensated metabolic acidosis blood
gas analysis. The aim of the management of patients with type 1 RTA is to achieve normal
blood pH levels and electrolyte balance. The treatment option for type 1 ATR patients is
substitution therapy in the form of KCl supplements, in addition, education is given to a high-
potassium diet.
Conclusion :
This case is interesting because it is a rare case and often is a congenital disease that is very
difficult to prove its etiology. By using the diagnostic flow as described above, the diagnosis
of RTA can be established and it is easier to treat according to the diagnosis. The most
common cause of type 1 RTA is a congenital anomaly, triggered by an autoimmune disease,
or some drug cause, which is usually difficult to pinpoint.
Keywords:
Renal tubular acidosis, RTA, hypokalemia