eMedicine Specialties > Pediatrics: General Medicine > Endocrinology

Pseudohypoaldosteronism

Author: Robert J Ferry Jr, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis and St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps), 162nd Area Support Medical Company, Army National Guard
Coauthor(s): Jose F Pascual-y-Baralt, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, San Antonio Military Pediatric Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Campus
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Jul 11, 2008

Introduction

Background

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders of electrolyte metabolism characterized by an apparent state of renal tubular unresponsiveness or resistance to the action of aldosterone. The condition is characterized by hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Volume depletion or hypervolemia; renal salt wasting or retention; hypotension or hypertension; and elevated, normal, or low levels of renin and aldosterone may be observed in the various conditions that result in this syndrome.

Since primary PHA was first described, it has been further classified into a classic form of PHA (PHA type I [PH-I]) and PHA type II (PHA-II), which is also referred to as chloride shunt syndrome. Recently, PHA-I has been recognized as a heterogeneous syndrome that includes at least 2 clinically distinguishable entities with either renal or multiple target organ defects (MTOD). Early childhood hyperkalemia, or renal tubular acidosis (RTA) IV subtype 5, is a variant of the renal form of PHA-I.

PHA-II (also known as Gordon syndrome or chloride shunt syndrome) is a rare familial renal tubular defect characterized by hypertension and hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis in the presence of low renin and aldosterone levels. Paver and Pauline first reported PHA-II in 1964,1  although Gordon described it as a new clinical entity in 1970.2

The molecular basis for most individuals who have PHA-II was linked to loss-of-function mutations in WNK1 or WNK4.3,4,5,6,7 WNKs comprise a family of serine-threonine protein kinases with unusual placement of the catalytic lysine compared with all other protein kinases. WNK1 or WNK4 regulate chloride cotransporters of the distal nephron and other epithelia.

An acquired or secondary form of PHA has also been described.

A summary of the forms of PHA is as follows:

  • Primary pseudohypoaldosteronism
    • Type I (PHA-I)
      • Renal type I (renal PHA-I)
      • Multiple target organ defect type I (MTOD PHA-I)
      • Early childhood hyperkalemia
    • Type II (PHA-II)
      • Gordon syndrome
      • Adolescent hyperkalemic syndrome
  • Secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism

Pathophysiology

Renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I

Renal PHA-I, or early childhood hyperkalemia, is probably due to a maturation disorder in the number or function of aldosterone receptors. This autosomal dominant disorder has been associated with mutations in the human mineralocorticoid receptor gene (MLR) in numerous kindreds and also in sporadic cases.

Multiple target organ defect pseudohypoaldosteronism type I

In this variant, other organs are involved, such as the sweat glands, salivary glands, and colon. The fundamental abnormality in MTOD PHA-I is a loss-of-function mutation in the alpha or beta subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), resulting in defective sodium transport in many organs containing the ENaC (eg, kidney, lung, colon, sweat and salivary glands). This amiloride-sensitive member of the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (Deg/ENaC) superfamily of ion channels is comprised of 3 homologous units (alpha, beta, gamma) and is expressed in the apical membrane of epithelial cells lining the airway, colon, and distal nephron. ENaC plays an essential role in transepithelial Na+ and fluid balance.

The state of hyper-reninism and hyperaldosteronism in these children is the result of sustained extracellular fluid (ECF) volume depletion and is not due to peripheral resistance to mineralocorticoids.

Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II

As first reported in 2003 and confirmed with molecular studies, the defect for PHA-II involves absent WNK1 or WNK4 kinase function in the distal nephron.3,5,6,7  WNK4 is exclusively expressed in the distal nephron, whereas WNK1 functions in most polarized epithelia (cells that line the lumen of hepatic biliary ducts, gallbladder, pancreatic ducts, epididymis, sweat ducts, and colonic crypts). These kinases regulate the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCCT) in the distal nephron. Specifically, loss-of-function mutations in WNK1 or WNK4 abolish WNK regulation of NCCT, resulting in the uninhibited NCCT activity that causes PHA-II.

Prior studies had implicated both proximal and tubular defects. Enhanced chloride absorption in the distal nephron had been suggested as the primary abnormality; thus, the name chloride shunt syndrome was proposed. This increased reabsorptive avidity of the distal nephron for chloride, in turn, limits the sodium-dependent and mineralocorticoid-dependent voltage that is the driving force for potassium and hydrogen ion secretion, resulting in hyperkalemia and acidosis. The increased reabsorption of sodium chloride results in hyperchloremia with ensuing volume expansion and hypertension. Volume expansion results in secondary hypoaldosteronism and, consequently, in hyporeninemia.

Evidence suggests that enhanced sodium chloride reabsorption takes place in several nephron segments proximal to the potassium-secreting sites (proximal to the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle). An alternative mechanism to explain the renal tubular defect in this syndrome is abnormally low levels of urinary prostaglandin metabolites, a product of renal prostaglandin synthesis. Mutations in the thiazide-sensitive Na+/Cl- cotransporter gene have been excluded as a cause.

Other authors still speculate that Gordon syndrome could result from a generalized increase in the activity of the bumetanide-sensitive Na+ -K+ -2Cl- cotransporter; however, this has not been studied. Based on lack of response to the infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), an increased proximal tubular reabsorption caused by inherited insensitivity to the action of the natriuretic factor has been proposed. However, other authors have not demonstrated this.

Summary of Pseudohypoaldosteronism

Open table in new window

Table
DetailsPseudohypoaldosteronism Type IPseudohypoaldosteronism Type II
Renal PHA-IMTOD PHA-IEarly Childhood HyperkalemiaPHA-II
SynonymsClassic PHA of infancy, Cheek and Perry syndrome, autosomal dominant PHA-I,
subtype 4 RTA IV
Autosomal recessive PHA-ISubtype 5 RTA IVAdolescent hyperkalemic syndrome, Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome, subtype 3 RTA IVGordon syndrome, mineralocorticoid-resistant hyperkalemia, chloride shunt syndrome
AgeNewborn period,
infancy
Newborn period, infancyInfancy, childhoodChildhoodAdulthood
OrgansKidneyKidney, sweat glands, salivary glands, colonKidneyKidneyKidney
GeneticsAutosomal dominant, sporadicAutosomal recessive, sporadicUnknownUnknownAutosomal dominant, sporadic
MechanismHeterozygous MLR mutations (possible)Defective Na transport in organs that contain ENaCMaturation disorder in the number or function of aldosterone receptorsChloride shuntChloride shunt
Serum potassiumHighHighHighHighHigh
AcidosisPresentPresentPresentPresentPresent
Serum sodiumNormal or lowNormal or lowNormalNormalNormal
PRA*HighHighNormal or highNormal or lowLow
AldosteroneHighHighNormal or highNormal or lowLow
Blood volumeNormovolemia, hypovolemiaNormovolemia, hypovolemiaNormovolemiaHypervolemiaHypervolemia
Blood pressureNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or low
GFRNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Salt wastingRenalRenal, sweat or salivary glands, colonAbsentAbsentAbsent
HypercalciuriaPresent or absentAbsentAbsentPresentPresent
TherapyNa supplementation, K-binding resinsHigh-Na, low-K diet, K-binding resins, hydrochlorothiazideNa bicarbonate, K-binding resinsDietary Na restriction, hydrochlorothiazideDietary Na restriction, hydrochlorothiazide
PrognosisOutgrow by age 2 yLifelong therapyOutgrow by age 5 yLifelong therapyLifelong therapy
DetailsPseudohypoaldosteronism Type IPseudohypoaldosteronism Type II
Renal PHA-IMTOD PHA-IEarly Childhood HyperkalemiaPHA-II
SynonymsClassic PHA of infancy, Cheek and Perry syndrome, autosomal dominant PHA-I,
subtype 4 RTA IV
Autosomal recessive PHA-ISubtype 5 RTA IVAdolescent hyperkalemic syndrome, Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome, subtype 3 RTA IVGordon syndrome, mineralocorticoid-resistant hyperkalemia, chloride shunt syndrome
AgeNewborn period,
infancy
Newborn period, infancyInfancy, childhoodChildhoodAdulthood
OrgansKidneyKidney, sweat glands, salivary glands, colonKidneyKidneyKidney
GeneticsAutosomal dominant, sporadicAutosomal recessive, sporadicUnknownUnknownAutosomal dominant, sporadic
MechanismHeterozygous MLR mutations (possible)Defective Na transport in organs that contain ENaCMaturation disorder in the number or function of aldosterone receptorsChloride shuntChloride shunt
Serum potassiumHighHighHighHighHigh
AcidosisPresentPresentPresentPresentPresent
Serum sodiumNormal or lowNormal or lowNormalNormalNormal
PRA*HighHighNormal or highNormal or lowLow
AldosteroneHighHighNormal or highNormal or lowLow
Blood volumeNormovolemia, hypovolemiaNormovolemia, hypovolemiaNormovolemiaHypervolemiaHypervolemia
Blood pressureNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or lowNormal or low
GFRNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
Salt wastingRenalRenal, sweat or salivary glands, colonAbsentAbsentAbsent
HypercalciuriaPresent or absentAbsentAbsentPresentPresent
TherapyNa supplementation, K-binding resinsHigh-Na, low-K diet, K-binding resins, hydrochlorothiazideNa bicarbonate, K-binding resinsDietary Na restriction, hydrochlorothiazideDietary Na restriction, hydrochlorothiazide
PrognosisOutgrow by age 2 yLifelong therapyOutgrow by age 5 yLifelong therapyLifelong therapy

*Plasma renin activity

Frequency

International

  • Renal PHA-I: More than 70 cases of this salt-wasting syndrome have been reported in the literature since the first description in 1958.8 Renal PHA-I, also called Cheek and Perry syndrome or classic PHA of infancy, represents the most common form of PHA-I. The early childhood hyperkalemia variant of renal PHA-I is the most common subtype of type IV RTA in children and is found with equal frequency in males and females. Occasionally, several siblings are affected.
  • MTOD PHA-I: Multiple target organ resistance has been reported in several kindreds.
  • PHA-II: This is a rare form of PHA.
  • Secondary PHA: An acquired form of PHA has been rarely reported but may occur more frequently in clinical practice.

Mortality/Morbidity

  • Renal PHA-I: Individuals may present with severe symptoms early after birth and throughout the first two weeks of life or may be asymptomatic.
  • MTOD PHA-I: Individuals are prone to developing respiratory symptoms; death may ensue during the neonatal period.
  • PHA-II: Most individuals are asymptomatic until adolescence when hypertension develops.

Sex

The early childhood hyperkalemia variant of renal PHA-I is found with equal frequency in males and females.

Age

  • Renal PHA-I only occurs in newborns and infants and usually improves with age.
  • Early childhood hyperkalemia occurs in infants and young children.
  • MTOD PHA-I occurs in newborns and infants but persists into adulthood.
  • PHA-II occurs in older children and adults. Although the defect is present at birth, the disease is not usually diagnosed until adolescence.
  • Secondary PHA may occur at any age.

Clinical

History

  • Renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • The clinical expression of renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I (PHA-I) widely varies, even among members of the same family and with the same gene defect. Affected children may have severe symptoms in early infancy (first 2 wk of life) or may be essentially asymptomatic.
    • Salt wasting and polyuria may be present in utero and result in polyhydramnios.
    • Anorexia and vomiting generally develop immediately after birth.
    • Symptoms are similar to those observed in mineralocorticoid deficiency.
    • Salt craving is observed in older children.
    • Vomiting is usually the only symptom in those with early childhood hyperkalemia.
  • Multiple target organ defects pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • Salt-wasting episodes develop soon after birth and usually are more severe than in renal PHA-I.
    • These individuals have a high incidence of lower respiratory tract involvement secondary to impaired bacterial killing, resulting from increased sodium chloride concentration in airway surface fluid, which can mimic cystic fibrosis.
  • Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II
    • A similar condition has been described in children (Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome) that is characterized by short stature, hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis, blood pressure within the reference range, and reference range aldosterone levels.
    • Urolithiasis may be present.

Physical

  • Renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • Symptomatic individuals have failure to thrive, weight loss, vomiting, and dehydration appearing as early as the first 2 weeks of life.
    • Affected individuals have repeated episodes of dehydration and may appear to be in shock and comatose.
    • Weight loss may occur. If therapy is delayed, these individuals may become severely undernourished, and failure to thrive becomes evident during infancy.
    • Affected individuals have a marked tendency to develop low blood volume and hypotension just like those with true hypoaldosteronism.
    • Failure to thrive or growth retardation is the only physical finding in children with early childhood hyperkalemia. Hypertension is absent.
  • Multiple target organ defects pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • The clinical picture is similar to that seen with renal PHA-I, but symptoms may be more severe.
    • These individuals may have recurrent episodes of dyspnea, cyanosis, fever, tachypnea, and intercostal retractions. Crackles may be auscultated over pulmonary fields.
  • Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II
    • These individuals, in contrast to those with PHA-I, are usually volume expanded and hypertensive.
    • Hypertension is limited to adolescent or adult individuals and is the cardinal feature of adults with this syndrome.
    • Short stature is the cardinal feature in children, who are usually asymptomatic, and hypertension during adolescence or young adulthood has usually been the initial sign. For this reason, this syndrome is often called adolescent hyperkalemic syndrome.
    • Children with the chloride shunt syndrome have blood pressure within the reference range (Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome). A finding of 2 affected normotensive children (aged 4 and 11 y) and an older affected sibling (aged 21 y) in the same family suggests that Gordon syndrome and Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome are the same genetic entity. In fact, hypertension may be absent in adults and present in children.
    • Muscular weakness and periodic paralysis has been described in children with Gordon syndrome.

Causes

  • Renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • The renal limited form appears to be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable expression. Many children have been found to have a loss-of-function mutation in the human mineralocorticoid receptor gene (MLR).
    • Even though many cases appear to be sporadic, elevated plasma aldosterone levels were found in some of the apparently asymptomatic parents.
  • Multiple target organ defects pseudohypoaldosteronism type I
    • Multiple target organ defects (MTOD) PHA-I is most likely inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder and has a high incidence of consanguinity among parents. The degree of penetrance varies. Most studied kindreds have had a loss-of-function mutation in one of the subunits of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC).
    • Sporadic cases have also been suggested.
  • Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II
    • An autosomal dominant form of inheritance has been suggested. Analysis of 8 affected families showed linkage to chromosome arms 1q31-42 and 17p11-q21.9 The genetic defect has not yet been characterized.
    • Sporadic instances also occur.
  • Secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism
    • Secondary PHA is limited to the kidneys and has been described in infants and children with obstructive uropathy, urinary tract infection, tubulointerstitial nephritis, sickle cell nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis, neonatal medullary necrosis, and, in some infants, after unilateral renal vein thrombosis. Cases have also been reported in patients with multiple myeloma and renal transplantation. Tubular injury is presumed responsible for the diminished response to aldosterone in these disorders.
    • Drugs can impair renin or aldosterone synthesis or cause mineralocorticoid resistance. Drugs that can cause PHA include cyclooxygenase inhibitors (NSAIDs), beta-adrenergic antagonists, heparin, ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics (ie, amiloride, triamterene, spironolactone), trimethoprim, and cyclosporine A.
      • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis as a result of inhibition of renin release.
      • Beta-adrenergic antagonists alter potassium distribution and interfere with the renin-aldosterone system, resulting in hyperkalemia.
      • Heparin inhibits aldosterone synthetase and causes hyperkalemia because of impaired aldosterone synthesis. 
      • ACE inhibitors can result in hypoaldosteronism with hyperkalemic acidosis by inhibiting angiotensin II formation.
      • Potassium-sparing diuretics impair distal potassium secretion; spironolactone antagonizes the effects of aldosterone, amiloride, and triamterene by directly closing the sodium channel in the luminal membrane of the collecting tubular cell.
      • Cyclosporine inhibits basolateral sodium-activated and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase, thereby decreasing intracellular potassium. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis, mild-to-moderate renal function impairment, and diabetic nephropathy because of the risk of hyperkalemia.

More on Pseudohypoaldosteronism

Overview: Pseudohypoaldosteronism
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Pseudohypoaldosteronism
Treatment & Medication: Pseudohypoaldosteronism
Follow-up: Pseudohypoaldosteronism
References

References

  1. Melzi ML, Guez S, Sersale G, et al. Acute pyelonephritis as a cause of hyponatremia/hyperkalemia in young infants with urinary tract malformations. Pediatr Infect Dis J. Jan 1995;14(1):56-9. [Medline].

  2. Geller DS, Zhang J, Zennaro MC, et al. Autosomal dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1: mechanisms, evidence for neonatal lethality, and phenotypic expression in adults. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2006;17:1429-1436. [Medline].

  3. Chitayat D, Spirer Z, Ayalon D, Golander A. Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a female infant and her family: diversity of clinical expression and mode of inheritance. Acta Paediatr Scand. Jul 1985;74(4):619-22. [Medline].

  4. Hogg R, Marks J, Marver D, Frolich J. Long-term observation in a patient with pseudohypoaldosteronism. Pediatr Nephrol. 1991;5:205-210. [Medline].

  5. Huang CL, Cha SK, Wang HR, Xie J, Cobb MH. WNKs: protein kinases with a unique kinase domain. Exp Mol Med. 2007;39:565-73. [Medline].

  6. Tobias JD, Brock JW III, Lynch A. Pseudohypoaldosteronism following operative correction of unilateral obstructive nephropathy. Clin Pediatr (Phila). Jun 1995;34(6):327-30. [Medline].

  7. Valimaki M, Pelkonen R, Tikkanem I, Fyhriquist F. Normal renin sensitivity to atrial natriuretic peptide in Gordon's syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol. 1992;6:44-45. [Medline].

  8. Chang SS, Grunder S, Hanukoglu A, et al. Mutations in subunits of the epithelial sodium channel cause salt wasting with hyperkalaemic acidosis, pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1. Nat Genet. Mar 1996;12(3):248-53. [Medline].

  9. Mansfield TA, Simon DB, Farfel Z, et al. Multilocus linkage of familial hyperkalaemia and hypertension, pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, to chromosomes 1q31-42 and 17p11-q21. Nat Genet. Jun 1997;16(2):202-5. [Medline].

  10. Abramson O, Zmora E, Mazor M, Shinwell ES. Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a preterm infant: intrauterine presentation as hydramnios. J Pediatr. Jan 1992;120(1):129-32. [Medline].

  11. Alon U, Kodroff MB, Broecker BH, et al. Renal tubular acidosis type 4 in neonatal unilateral kidney diseases. J Pediatr. Jun 1984;104(6):855-60. [Medline].

  12. Anand SK, Froberg L, Northway JD, et al. Pseudohypoaldosteronism due to sweat gland dysfunction. Pediatr Res. 1976;10:677-82. [Medline].

  13. Arai K, Tsigos C, Suzuki Y, et al. No apparent mineralocorticoid receptor defect in a series of sporadic cases of pseudohypoaldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Mar 1995;80(3):814-7. [Medline].

  14. Arai K, Tsigos C, Suzuki Y, et al. Physiological and molecular aspects of mineralocorticoid receptor action in pseudohypoaldosteronism: a responsiveness test and therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct 1994;79(4):1019-23. [Medline].

  15. Armanini D, Kuhnle U, Strasser T, et al. Aldosterone-receptor deficiency in pseudohypoaldosteronism. N Engl J Med. Nov 7 1985;313(19):1178-81. [Medline].

  16. Ballauff A, Wendel U, Kupke I, Kuhnle U. A partial form of hypoaldosteronism type I without sodium wasting. J Pediatr Endocrinol. 1994;7:57-60. [Medline].

  17. Bierich JR, Schmidt U. Tubular Na, K-ATPase deficiency, the cause of the congenital renal salt-losing syndrome. Eur J Pediatr. Jan 2 1976;121(2):81-7. [Medline].

  18. Bistritzer T, Evans S, Cotariu D, et al. Reduced Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in patients with pseudohypoaldosteronism. Pediatr Res. Mar 1994;35(3):372-5. [Medline].

  19. Blachar Y, Kaplan BS, Griffel B, Levin S. Pseudohypoaldosteronism. Clin Nephrol. Jun 1979;11(6):281-8. [Medline].

  20. Brautbar N, Levi J, Rosler A, et al. Familial hyperkalemia, hypertension, and hyporeninemia with normal aldosterone levels. A tubular defect in potassium handling. Arch Intern Med. Apr 1978;138(4):607-10. [Medline].

  21. Chang S, Muller J, Rosler A. Molecular analysis of epithelial sodium channel subunits in pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1996;7:1611.

  22. Cheek DB, Perry JA. A salt wasting syndrome in infancy. Arch Dis Child. 1958;33:252-256.

  23. Choate KA, Kahle KT, Wilson FH, et al. WNK1, a kinase mutated in inherited hypertension with hyperkalemia, localizes to diverse Cl- -transporting epithelia. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003;100:663-668. [Medline][Full Text].

  24. Claris Appiani A, Marra G, Tirelli SA, et al. Early childhood hyperkalemia: variety of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Acta Paediatr Scand. Nov 1986;75(6):970-4. [Medline].

  25. Cogan MC, Arieff AI. Sodium wasting, acidosis and hyperkalemia induced by methicillin interstitial nephritis. Evidence for selective distal tubular dysfunction. Am J Med. Mar 1978;64(3):500-7. [Medline].

  26. Cugini P, Natoli G, Gerlini G, et al. Erythrocyte transmembrane Na and K fluxes in pseudohypoaldosteronism. Biochem Med Metab Biol. Dec 1992;48(3):241-54. [Medline].

  27. Daughaday WH, Rendleman D. Severe symptomatic hyperkalemia in an adrenalectomized woman due to enhanced mineralocorticoid requirement. Ann Intern Med. Jun 1967;66(6):1197-203. [Medline].

  28. DuBose TD Jr. Hyperkalemic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis: pathophysiologic insights. Kidney Int. Feb 1997;51(2):591-602. [Medline].

  29. Farfel Z, Iaina A, Levi J, Gafni J. Proximal renal tubular acidosis: association with familial normaldosteronemic hyperpotassemia and hypertension. Arch Intern Med. Dec 1978;138(12):1837-40. [Medline].

  30. Geller DS, Rodriguez-Soriano J, Vallo Boado A, et al. Mutations in the mineralocorticoid receptor gene cause autosomal dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism type I. Nat Genet. Jul 1998;19(3):279-81. [Medline].

  31. Gereda JE, Bonilla-Felix M, Kalil B, Dewitt SJ. Neonatal presentation of Gordon syndrome. J Pediatr. Oct 1996;129(4):615-7. [Medline].

  32. Gordon RD. Syndrome of hypertension and hyperkalemia with normal glomerular filtration rate. Hypertension. Feb 1986;8(2):93-102. [Medline].

  33. Gordon RD, Geddes RA, Pawsey CG, O'Halloran MW. Hypertension and severe hyperkalaemia associated with suppression of renin and aldosterone and completely reversed by dietary sodium restriction. Australas Ann Med. Nov 1970;19(4):287-94. [Medline].

  34. Greenberg D, Abramson O, Phillip M. Fetal pseudohypoaldosteronism: another cause of hydramnios. Acta Paediatr. May 1995;84(5):582-4. [Medline].

  35. Hanukoglu A. Type I pseudohypoaldosteronism includes two clinically and genetically distinct entities with either renal or multiple target organ defects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Nov 1991;73(5):936-44. [Medline].

  36. Hanukoglu A, Bistritzer T, Rakover Y, Mandelberg A. Pseudohypoaldosteronism with increased sweat and saliva electrolyte values and frequent lower respiratory tract infections mimicking cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr. Nov 1994;125(5 Pt 1):752-5. [Medline].

  37. Hanukoglu A, Fried D, Gotlieb A. Inheritance of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Lancet. Jun 24 1978;1(8078):1359. [Medline].

  38. Honour JW, Dillon MJ, Shackleton CH. Analysis of steroids in urine for differentiation of pseudohypoaldosteronism and aldosterone biosynthetic defect. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Feb 1982;54(2):325-31. [Medline].

  39. Hummler E, Barker P, Gatzy J, et al. Early death due to defective neonatal lung liquid clearance in alpha-ENaC-deficient mice. Nat Genet. Mar 1996;12(3):325-8. [Medline].

  40. Kahle KT, Wilson FH, Leng Q, et al. WNK4 regulates the balance between renal NaCl reabsorption and K+ secretion. Nat Genet. Dec 2003;35(4):372-6. [Medline].

  41. Klemm SA, Gordon RD, Tunny TJ, Finn WL. Biochemical correction in the syndrome of hypertension and hyperkalaemia by severe dietary salt restriction suggests renin-aldosterone suppression critical in pathophysiology. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Mar 1990;17(3):191-5. [Medline].

  42. Komesaroff PA, Verity K, Fuller PJ. Pseudohypoaldosteronism: molecular characterization of the mineralocorticoid receptor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul 1994;79(1):27-31. [Medline].

  43. Kotchen TA, Welch WJ, Lorenz JN, Ott CE. Renal tubular chloride and renin release. J Lab Clin Med. Nov 1987;110(5):533-40. [Medline].

  44. Kuhnle U, Hinkel GK, Akkurt HI, Krozowski Z. Familial pseudohypoaldosteronism: a review on the heterogeneity of the syndrome. Steroids. Jan 1995;60(1):157-60. [Medline].

  45. Kuhnle U, Keller U, Armanini D. Immunofluorescence of mineralocorticoid receptors in peripheral lymphocytes: presence of receptor-like activity in patients with the autosomal dominant form of pseudohypoaldosteronism, and its absence in the recessive form. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. Dec 1994;51(5-6):267-73. [Medline].

  46. Kuhnle U, Nielsen MD, Tietze HU, et al. Pseudohypoaldosteronism in eight families: different forms of inheritance are evidence for various genetic defects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Mar 1990;70(3):638-41. [Medline].

  47. Landau D. Potassium handling in health and disease: lessons from inherited tubulopathies. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2004;2:203-208. [Medline].

  48. Landau D. Potassium-related inherited tubulopathies. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2006;63:1962-8. [Medline].

  49. Levin TL, Abramson SJ, Burbige KA, et al. Salt losing nephropathy simulating congenital adrenal hyperplasia in infants with obstructive uropathy and/or vesicoureteral reflux--value of ultrasonography in diagnosis. Pediatr Radiol. 1991;21(6):413-5. [Medline].

  50. Limal JM, Rappaport R, Dechaux M, Morin C. Familial dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism. Lancet. Jan 7 1978;1(8054):51. [Medline].

  51. Luke RG, Allison ME, Davidson JF, Duguid WP. Hyperkalemia and renal tubular acidosis due to renal amyloidosis. Ann Intern Med. Jun 1969;70(6):1211-7. [Medline].

  52. Marra G, Goj V, Appiani AC, et al. Persistent tubular resistance to aldosterone in infants with congenital hydronephrosis corrected neonatally. J Pediatr. Jun 1987;110(6):868-72. [Medline].

  53. Mastrandrea LD, Martin DJ, Springate JE. Clinical and biochemical similarities between reflux/obstructive uropathy and salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005;44:809-812. [Medline].

  54. Matthew PM, Manasra KB, Hamdan JA. Indomethacin and cation-exchange resin in the management of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1993;32:58-60. [Medline].

  55. Muhammad S, Mamish ZM, Tucci JR. Type II pseudohypoaldosteronism. Report of a case and review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest. Jun 1994;17(6):453-7. [Medline].

  56. Oberfield SE, Levine LS, Carey RM, et al. Pseudohypoaldosteronism: multiple target organ unresponsiveness to mineralocorticoid hormones. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Feb 1979;48(2):228-34. [Medline].

  57. Paver WKA, Pauline GJ. Hypertension and hyperpotassemia without renal disease in a young male. Med J Austr. 1964;2:305-306.

  58. Perimenis P, Wemeau JL, Vantyghem MC. Hypercalciuria [French]. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2005;66:532-539. [Medline].

  59. Peters TA, Levtchenko E, Cremers CW, et al. No evidence of hearing loss in pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 patients. Acta Otolaryngol. 2006;126:237-239. [Medline].

  60. Proesmans W, Muaka B, Corbeel L, Eeckels R. Pseudohypoaldosteronism, a proximal tubular sodium wasting disease. J Pediatr. Apr 1978;92(4):678-9. [Medline].

  61. Rodriguez-Soriano J, Vallo A, Dominguez MJ. "Chloride-shunt" syndrome: an overlooked cause of renal hypercalciuria. Pediatr Nephrol. Apr 1989;3(2):113-21. [Medline].

  62. Rodriguez-Soriano J, Vallo A, Oliveros R, Castillo G. Transient pseudohypoaldosteronism secondary to obstructive uropathy in infancy. J Pediatr. 1983;103:375-380. [Medline].

  63. Roessler A. The natural history of salt-wasting disorders of adrenal and renal origin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1984;59:689-700. [Medline].

  64. Sanderson IR, Carter EP, Dillon MJ, et al. Familial salivary gland insensitivity to aldosterone: a variant of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Horm Res. 1989;32(4):145-7. [Medline].

  65. Sanjad SA, Keenan BS, Hill LL. Renal hypoprostaglandism, hypertension, and type IV renal tubular acidosis reversed by furosemide. Ann Intern Med. Nov 1983;99(5):624-7. [Medline].

  66. Savage MO, Jefferson IG, Dillon MJ, et al. Pseudohypoaldosteronism: severe salt wasting in infancy caused by generalized mineralocorticoid unresponsiveness. J Pediatr. Aug 1982;101(2):239-42. [Medline].

  67. Schambelan M, Sebastian A, Rector FC Jr. Mineralocorticoid-resistant renal hyperkalemia without salt wasting (type II pseudohypoaldosteronism): role of increased renal chloride reabsorption. Kidney Int. May 1981;19(5):716-27. [Medline].

  68. Schindler AM, Bergman GE. Prospective diagnosis of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Pediatrics. Sep 1986;78(3):516-8. [Medline].

  69. Semmekrot B, Monnens L, Theelen BG, et al. The syndrome of hypertension and hyperkalaemia with normal glomerular function (Gordon's syndrome). A pathophysiological study. Pediatr Nephrol. Jul 1987;1(3):473-8. [Medline].

  70. Shalev H, Ohali M, Abramson O. Nephrocalcinosis in pseudohypoaldosteronism and the effect of indomethacin therapy. J Pediatr. Aug 1994;125(2):246-8. [Medline].

  71. Sheridan MB, Fong P, Groman JD, et al. Mutations in the beta-subunit of the epithelial Na+ channel in patients with a cystic fibrosis-like syndrome. Hum Mol Genet. 2005;14:3493-3498. [Medline].

  72. Shimkets RA, Warnock DG, Bositis CM, et al. Liddle's syndrome: heritable human hypertension caused by mutations in the beta subunit of the epithelial sodium channel. Cell. Nov 4 1994;79(3):407-14. [Medline].

  73. Shoker A, Morris G, Skomro R, Laxdal V. Pseudohypoaldosteronism with normal blood pressure. Clin Nephrol. Aug 1996;46(2):105-11. [Medline].

  74. Spitzer A, Edelmann CM Jr, Goldberg LD, Henneman PH. Short stature, hyperkalemia and acidosis: A defect in renal transport of potassium. Kidney Int. Apr 1973;3(4):251-7. [Medline].

  75. Stone RC, Vale P, Rosa FC. Effect of hydrochlorothiazide in pseudohypoaldosteronism with hypercalciuria and severe hyperkalemia. Pediatr Nephrol. Aug 1996;10(4):501-3. [Medline].

  76. Weinstein SF, Allan DM, Mendoza SA. Hyperkalemia, acidosis, and short stature associated with a defect in renal potassium excretion. J Pediatr. Sep 1974;85(3):355-8. [Medline].

  77. Wilson FH, Kahle KT, Sabath E, et al. Molecular pathogenesis of inherited hypertension with hyperkalemia: the Na-Cl cotransporter is inhibited by wild-type but not mutant WNK4. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003;100:680-684. [Medline][Full Text].

  78. Yang CL, Angell J, Mitchell R, Ellison DH. WNK kinases regulate thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransport. J Clin Invest. 2003;111:1039-1045. [Medline][Full Text].

  79. Zennaro MC, Borensztein P, Jeunemaitre X, et al. No alteration in the primary structure of the mineralocorticoid receptor in a family with pseudohypoaldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul 1994;79(1):32-8. [Medline].

  80. Zennaro MC, Borensztein P, Soubrier F, et al. The enigma of pseudohypoaldosteronism. Steroids. Feb 1994;59(2):96-9. [Medline].

Further Reading

Keywords

pseudohypoaldosteronism, PHA, pseudohypoaldosteronism type I, PHA-I, Cheek and Perry syndrome, renal pseudohypoaldosteronism type I, AD renal PHA-I, multiple target organ pseudohypoaldosteronism, MTOD PHA-I, autosomal recessive PHA-I, AR PHA-I, early childhood hyperkalemia, renal tubular acidosis subtypes 4 and 5, RTA, pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, PHA-II, Gordon syndrome, adolescent hyperkalemic syndrome, Spitzer-Weinstein syndrome, mineralocorticoid-resistant hyperkalemia, renal tubular acidosis type IV subtype 3, metabolic acidosis, hypervolemia, renal salt wasting, hypotension, hypertension, chloride shunt syndrome, renal tube defects, short stature, urolithiasis, obstructive uropathy, urinary tract infection, tubulointerstitial nephritis, sickle cell nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis, neonatal medullary necrosis, unilateral renal vein thrombosis, failure to thrive, adolescent hyperkalemic syndrome

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Robert J Ferry Jr, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis and St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps), 162nd Area Support Medical Company, Army National Guard
Robert J Ferry Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, Endocrine Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and Texas Pediatric Society
Disclosure: Nutropin Speakers Bureau Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Coauthor(s)

Jose F Pascual-y-Baralt, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, San Antonio Military Pediatric Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Campus
Jose F Pascual-y-Baralt, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, and International Society of Nephrology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD, Adjunct Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, University of Florida; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology
Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Epidemiology, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Florida Pediatric Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from broker recommendation; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from broker recommendation

Managing Editor

Lynne Lipton Levitsky, MD, Chief, Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard University Medical School
Lynne Lipton Levitsky, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Diabetes Association, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Merrily P M Poth, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Merrily P M Poth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Endocrine Society, and Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Arkansas and Arkansas Children's Hospital
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Southern Medical Association, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Genentech, Inc. Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfiser, Inc. Honoraria Consulting

 
 
HONcode

We subscribe to the
HONcode principles of the
Health On the Net Foundation

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright© 1994- by Medscape.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.