Mineralocorticoid-induced kaliuresis in type-II pseudohypoaldosteronism

Type II pseudohypoaldosteronism is an uncommonly reported disorder. The authors recently evaluated a patient who in many respects appeared to have this syndrome. He had hyperkalemia, a normal glomerular filtration rate, "normal" serum and urinary aldosterone levels, and low plasma renin activity. In addition, he had a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and hypertension. Fractional excretion of potassium was reduced in response to sodium chloride loading. However, renal potassium excretion in response to administration of sodium sulfate was normal. Thiazide diuretic restored the serum potassium, the low bicarbonate, and blood pressure to normal. He developed marked natriuresis and kaliuresis in response to high-dose exogenous mineralocorticoid. The magnitude of the kaliuretic response achieved to exogenous mineralocorticoid has been reported only once previously.