[Bartter's syndrome: new classification, old therapy]

We report on two cases of Bartter's syndrome, together with the review of current literature on the aetiology, development and treatment of Bartter's syndrome. Bartter's syndrome belongs to a group of hypokalaemic renal channelopathies, which are caused by a molecular hereditary disorder of ion channels in renal tubules. These channels are located in the lipid layer of cell membranes where they exist as water channels through which ion transport is performed. Based on the type of genetic disorder and clinical presentation, Bartter's syndrome is classified as neonatal, classical and Gitelman's syndrome. Neonatal form is found in newborns and is characterized by foetal polyuria, premature birth, postnatal episodes of severe dehydration, growth retardation, hypercalciuria and early nephrocalcinosis. It is the result of mutation of a gene responsible for renal tubular Na-K-2Cl cotransport or another gene which controls the ATP-dependant potassium channel (ROMK). Classic form is found in young children with polyuria, hypokalaemia and growth retardation. This type is caused by a defect of a gene for chloride channel (CIC-Kb) in the distal tubule. Gitelman's syndrome is found in late childhood or adolescence. It is caused by mutation in the gene for Na-Cl co-transport in the distal tubule. Children with Gitelman's syndrome occasionally have muscle weakness or tetany, hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia. Even though there have been advances in understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of Bartter's syndrome in the recent years, the possibilities and strategies for its management remained almost the same. Treatment is based on prostaglandin inhibitors, potassium sparing diuretics and substitution therapy.