[Renal tubular acidosis in children]

Renal tubular acidosis represents a heterogenous group of disorders with various etiologies and mechanisms. The physiopathologic basis of each type of renal tubular acidosis is reviewed, focusing on the laboratory investigations necessary to define the nature of the hyperchloremic renal tubular acidosis. Clinically, the four types of renal tubular acidosis can be associated with complications such as osteomalacia, urolithiasis and failure to thrive. Very often, the chronic administration of alkali results in normal growth and development, and greatly reduces the risk of stone formation or nephrocalcinosis.