Acquired Bartter-like syndrome associated with colistin use in an adult patient: a case report

Colistin is an effective antibiotic utilized for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections with coverage against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Despite the broad antibacterial coverage, this antibiotic can have serious complications such as acute kidney injury. Colistin also can have a toxic effect on the loop of Henle, causing tubulopathy, electrolyte imbalances, and the occurrence of Bartter-like syndrome (BLS) which is characterized by magnesium and calcium disturbances, polyuria, and metabolic alkalosis. We here report a 32-year-old male with a history of multiple trauma due to an accident that received colistin therapy for Pseudomonas isolation from wound culture on the 5th day of hospitalization. Polyuria, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia were developed on the first week of colistin administration. The patient received colistin until the 21st day of hospitalization. Serum calcium and magnesium levels became normal 1 day after stopping colistin, while urine volume and metabolic alkalosis resolved 6 days after colistin discontinuing. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust the dose of colistin to minimize its toxicity.