Hypertension corrected by discontinuing chronic sodium bicarbonate ingestion: Subsequent transient hypoaldosteronism

Abstract

A 52 year old man with a long history of marked hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, nephrocalcinosis and intermittent hypercalcemia was referred to be evaluated for primary aldosteronism suspected on the basis of low plasma renin activity, hypokalemia and blood pressure responsive to spironolactone. Aldosterone excretion, however, was extremely low. Alkaluria, high urinary sodium excretion and hypercalciuria were observed. The patient admitted to chronic ingestion of large amounts of baking soda. Upon cessation of alkali abuse, his blood pressure fell dramatically; orthostatic hypotension, concomitant azotemia, hemoconcentration, hyperkalemia and weight loss occurred. Despite dramatic elevation in plasma renin activity, urinary aldosterone excretion remained low during this period. Adrenal glucocorticoid secretion was intact. All abnormalities of sodium, potassium and aldosterone subsequently returned to normal. A 10 day challenge with oral sodium bicarbonate was associated with a rise in blood pressure, but serum calcium remained normal. The patient remains normotensive 15 months after discontinuing alkali abuse.