ACE-inhibitors-induced metabolic acidosis in a child with nephrotic syndrome

Irene Bruno1, Marco Pennesi, Federico Marchetti

  • 1Clinica Pediatrica, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Università di Trieste, Via dell'Istria 65/1, 34100, Trieste, Italy.

Insights

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis with hypoaldosteronism in children. This rare side effect was observed in a young boy with nephrotic syndrome receiving ACE inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are increasingly prescribed for pediatric conditions.
  • Nephrotic syndrome is a common kidney disorder in children requiring medical management.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome presented with new-onset metabolic disturbances.
  • The patient was undergoing treatment with ACE inhibitors for his condition.

Findings:

  • The patient developed severe hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis.
  • Laboratory findings indicated concurrent hypoaldosteronism.
  • These adverse effects were associated with ACE inhibitor therapy.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider ACE inhibitor-induced metabolic acidosis and hypoaldosteronism in pediatric patients.
  • Monitoring electrolyte balance is crucial in children treated with ACE inhibitors, especially those with nephrotic syndrome.
  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare adverse drug reactions in pediatric populations.

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics01:28

Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Liddle syndrome is a genetically inherited form of hypertension characterized by the overactivity of epithelial sodium channels in the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. This heightened activity leads to increased sodium reabsorption and excessive excretion of potassium. To counteract this, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride are used. They function by blocking these sodium channels, thereby reducing the influx of sodium into the epithelial cells and minimizing the loss of...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...