Abstract

CAMPANA COBAS, Neri G et al. Cystic fibrosis mimicking Bartter syndrome. Rev Cubana Pediatr [online]. 2008, vol.80, n.4, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3119.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that is inherited as a recessive autosomal disorder. The classical presentation is characterized by chronic lung disease, pancreatic deficiency and high concentrations of electrolytes in sweat. In some patients, the presentation may be monosymptomatic as, for example, the depletion of electrolytes in blood. The objective of this paper is to report the case of a 2-months-old female infant with diagnosis of cystic fibrosis that initially seemed to be a Bartter syndrome. The reason to be admitted was vomit, dwindles and dehydration signs. Gasometry, study of electrolytes in blood, determination of concentration of electrolytes in urine, test of electrolytes in sweat and genetic study for cystic fibrosis were performed. The concentration of potassium (28 mEeq/L) made us think about Bartter syndrome, and treatment with indometacin and potassium chloride was indicated. All the parameters were normalized. Two months later, she was readmitted with mild dehydration caused by a vomit, mixed disorders of the acid-base balance, hyponatremia, hypochloremia and mild hyperpotassemia. Electrolytes were determined in sweat three times and they were positive. The genetic study for cystic fibrosis showed a delta F508 mutation.

Keywords : cystic fibrosis; metabolic alkalosis; hypoelectrolitemia; Bartter pseudosyndrome.