Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis
Alternate Names : Renal Tubular Acidosis - Proximal, Renal Tubular Acidosis Type II, RTA - Proximal, Type II RTA
Definition
The term "renal" refers to the kidney. The kidney contains over a million functional units called nephrons, which filter your blood and produce urine. Normally, a blood buffer called bicarbonate is reabsorbed into the blood in the proximal tubule of each nephron. When it is not reabsorbed properly, your body is left an acidic state (called acidosis).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
When healthy, your body is very slightly alkaline. Acidic substances in the body, such as carbon dioxide, are buffered (counteracted) by alkaline substances, primarily bicarbonate. Your kidneys regulate your body's pH by controlling acids and bicarbonate buffer.
An acidic state in your body can be caused by high carbon dioxide levels (respiratory acidosis). It can also be caused by low bicarbonate levels (metabolic acidosis).
Proximal renal tubular acidosis (Type II RTA) is from poor bicarbonate reabsorption by the proximal tubules. This leads to lower bicarbonate buffer in the blood, causing metabolic acidosis.
Type II RTA is less common than classical Type I RTA. It most commonly occurs during infancy, and may spontaneously resolve.
Many different molecular abnormalities can lead to Type II RTA. It can occur in an isolated form or with general problems with the proximal tubule. (See Fanconi's Syndrome.)
People with Type II RTA tend to reabsorb chloride to compensate, and thus have high blood serum chloride levels. They are also low in potassium.
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