Table 4.

Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Hereditary Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis

System/
Concern
EvaluationComment
Renal Venous blood gas or total plasma CO2
  • Eval of acid-base equilibrium
  • Sample to be drawn in fasting conditions & immediately before scheduled dose of alkali to assess effectiveness of therapy
Serum creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chlorideEvaluate glomerular filtration rate; assess hypokalemia, hydration status.
Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, magnesiumAssess for hypocalcemia, biochemical evidence of rickets, hypophosphatemia.
Uric acid, albuminAssess for assoc tubular dysfunction.
UrinalysisDetection of proteinuria, hematuria, & leukocyturia
Isolated urine sample for creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, & citrate.
Note: Sample should be taken simultaneously w/serum/plasma samples enabling calculation of renal tubular handling of these electrolytes.
  • Excretion of sodium & potassium can be estimated by calculation of appropriate indices (mL/dL glomerular filtrate, fractional excretions of sodium & potassium) to monitor renal function & therapy.
  • Detection of hypercalciuria by calcium/creatinine ratio. Hypercalciuria may indicate inadequate correction of acidosis.
  • Detection of hypocitraturia may imply inadequate treatment.
UltrasoundEval for nephrocalcinosis, urolithiasis, & medullary cysts
ENT AudiometryEval for sensorineural hearing loss
Constitutional Measurement of length/height & weightUse for calculation of body mass index to assess nutritional status; baseline values to assess response to therapy (correction of height deficit expected if short stature is present) & to adjust alkali dosage.

From: Hereditary Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis

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