[Hypokalemic nephropathy from the chronic use of diuretics and laxatives]

The cases of two women with morphologically proved hypokalemic nephropathy related to chronic use of diuretics and purgatives are reported. The disease has been detected because of reduced urine quantity, increase of body mass and edema. The serum protein level is low. Sodium and potassium clearances are reduced. There is a metabolic alkalosis, serum renin and aldosterone levels are elevated. The histologic picture is typical with tubule cell vacuolization and sclerotic changes in the interstitium. The timely discovery of the cause of the disease leads to the discontinuance of the use of diuretics and purgatives and to complete recovery.