Neonatal Bartter syndrome: spontaneous resolution of all signs and symptoms

Abstract.

This baby boy was born after a pregnancy complicated by severe polyhydramnios at a gestational age of 28 weeks. Analysis of the amniotic fluid had shown a high chloride content, but normal concentrations of sodium, potassium, and calcium. After birth he displayed extreme polyuria, severe renal sodium and chloride loss, and marked hypercalciuria. Five weeks after birth, his sodium chloride loss turned into renal potassium loss, along with a marked decrease in urine output. All these features are characteristic of the neonatal variant of Bartter syndrome. He was discharged after 11 weeks with oral supplements of sodium chloride, potassium gluconate, and 500 ml of fluid. The follow-up for a period of 6 years showed a surprising evolution: he has no hypokalemic alkalosis, no polyuria, and no hypercalciuria; growth and development are within the normal ranges and, at the time of writing, he is a healthy boy needing no medication and with no medical problems whatsoever.