The incidence of transient infantile pseudohypoaldosteronism in Ireland: A prospective study.

Abstract

To review the clinical course, outcome and incidence of infantile salt wasting associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or urinary tract malformation (UTM) over a two-year surveillance period on the island of Ireland. A two-year (2013-14) prospective surveillance undertaken via the Irish and Ulster Paediatric Surveillance Units. Monthly prepaid postcards were circulated to consultant paediatricians (n=260) at all paediatric units on the island of Ireland. Infants under one year of age presenting for the first time with hyponatraemia (Na<130mmol/L) and/or hyperkalaemia (K>5.0mmol/L) associated with urosepsis/UTM were reported. All 7 reported patients (6 male) had culture-proven UTI, and 5 (71%) also had an underlying UTM (one diagnosed antenatally). Four (57%) patients had a documented elevated serum aldosterone supporting secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) as the underlying diagnosis. Data on aldosterone were not reported in the other 3 patients, but clinical features were suggestive of secondary PHA. The estimated incidence for the Irish population of transient PHA is 1 per 13,200 total live births per year. Salt wasting is a rare complication of UTI, especially if associated with underlying UTM. Boys appear to be at particular risk.