Pseudo-Bartter's syndrome, diuretic abuse, idiopathic edema, and eating disorders

Abstract

Literature concerning Bartter's syndrome, pseudo-Bartter's syndrome, idiopathic edema, and diuretic abuse is reviewed. The authors suggest that many of the patients who present with the physiological disturbances associated with pseudo-Bartter's syndrome or with diuretic abuse, and a subgroup of those who use diuretics for idiopathic edema, have an underlying eating disorder. The pharmacology and physiology of diuretics are reviewed.