Hyperglobulinaemic renal tubular acidosis: a report of nine cases

Of nine women with hyperglobulinaemic renal tubular acidosis four presented with acidosis and five had the "incomplete" form of the disorder. Seven patients had nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, but none had the Fanconi syndrome. Investigation showed abnormal immunoglobulins and autoantibodies in all nine patients. Diseases coexisting with renal tubular acidosis were Sjögren's syndrome, hyperglobulinaemic purpura, autoimmune liver and thyroid disease, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, and a peripheral neuropathy. It is suggested that this type of renal tubular acidosis might be due to an autoimmune process.