Frontiers in Pediatrics (Jan 2024)

Case report: Life threatening hyponatremia in infants with urinary tract infections: two cases of type III pseudohypoaldosteronism and review of the literature

  • Cécile Carl,
  • Cécile Carl,
  • Lars Dinkelbach,
  • Lars Dinkelbach,
  • Julia Mohr,
  • Ruy Perez,
  • Tobias Vera Lopez,
  • Susanne Fricke-Otto,
  • Tim Niehues

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1233205
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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We describe two female infants at the age of five and six months with urinary tract infections presenting with vomiting and reduced drinking behavior. On laboratory analysis, severe hyponatremia (106 mmol/L and 109 mmol/L) was seen with hyperkalemia and compensated metabolic acidosis. Endocrinological analyses revealed massively increased levels of aldosterone and renin, leading to the diagnosis of type III pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA). A review of the current literature 2013–2023 revealed 26 type III PHA cases aged up to ten months with reduced drinking behavior, weight loss and/or failure to thrive being the most common clinical presentations. Given the severe presentation of PHA electrolyte measurements in infants with urinary tract infections and/or in infants with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are strongly recommended.

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