Renal Tubular Acidosis Types

Renal Tubular Acidosis Types

  1. RTA1 ( Site involved is Distal Convoluted Tubule)
  2. RTA 2 ( Site involved is Proximal Convoluted tubule )
  3. RTA 4 ( Site involved is Distal Convoluted Tubule)

RTA1

  • In type 1 RTA , The alpha intercalated cells of the DCT are involved. There function is to excrete H+ ions .
  • In this type, there is a damage to these cells and that leads to inability to excrete the H+ ions that causes metabolic acidosis.
  • The manifestations are:
    • There will be impaired chloride excretion also as kidney will try to maintain the electroneutrality. Hence Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis will occur.
    • H+ excretion will not occur leading to improper absorption of K+ ions hence hypokalemia will occur causing muscle cramps , weakness and tachyarrythmias.
    • The increased H+ ions can affect bones and can cause Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults.
    • There will be formation of calcium oxalate stones.
    • There will be decreased urinary citrate concentration in the urine. Citrate acts as an inhibitor of calcium oxalate stones therefore there will be more chances of formation of calcium oxalate stones formation.

Causes

Treatment

  • Oral sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate should be administered
  • It will neutralize the metabolic acidosis and will also reduce damage to the bone caused by hypercalciuria