Definition of Bartter syndrome:
Bartter syndrome refers to a rare group of conditions that affect the kidneys. People with Bartter syndrome have a loss of potassium (hypokalemic alkalosis) and a rise in the hormone aldosterone.
See also: Aldosterone test
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
In some cases, Bartter syndrome may be genetic and the condition is present from before birth (congenital).
The condition is thought to be caused by a defect in the kidney's ability to reabsorb potassium. As a result, the kidneys remove too much potassium from the body. This is also known as potassium wasting. Unlike other forms of kidney disease, this condition does not cause high blood pressure.
