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Medullary sponge kidney and renal acidification defect.
Kidney International
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) patients show impaired urine concentration and acidification. These functional abnormalities in MSK may stem from terminal collecting duct dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a cystic renal disorder with well-documented clinical and radiological features.
- Limited literature exists on renal function in patients with MSK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate renal function in 11 MSK patients.
- To compare MSK patients' renal function with healthy volunteers and patients with bilateral renal stones.
Main Methods:
- Assessed glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), and urine diluting capacity.
- Evaluated urine concentrating ability, urine pH, and titratable acid excretion after NH4Cl administration.
- Measured steady-state plasma bicarbonate and arterial pH.
Main Results:
- MSK patients exhibited normal GFR, RPF, and urine diluting capacity.
- Diminished urine concentrating ability was observed in MSK patients.
- MSK patients had higher urine pH, lower titratable acid excretion, and lower plasma bicarbonate levels compared to controls, with normal arterial pH.
Conclusions:
- MSK patients demonstrate defects in urinary acidification and concentration mechanisms.
- These functional abnormalities may be linked to functional issues in the terminal collecting ducts.