Transient Pseudohypoaldosteronism Secondary to Group B Streptococcus Pyelonephritis

Transient secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism in infants with urinary tract infections: systematic literature review

Infants with a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract sometimes present with hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis due to under-responsiveness to aldosterone, hereafter referred to as secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism. The purpose of this report is to investigate pseudo-hypoaldosteronism in infant urinary tract infection. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines after PROSPERO (CRD42022364210) registration. The National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without limitations were used. Inclusion criteria involved pediatric cases with documented overt pseudo-hypoaldosteronism linked to urinary tract infection. Data extraction included demographics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, management, and course. Fifty-seven reports were selected, detailing 124 cases: 95 boys and 29 girls, 10 months or less of age (80% of cases were 4 months or less of age). The cases exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and activated renin-angiotensin II-aldosterone system. An impaired kidney function was found in approximately every third case. Management included antibiotics, fluids, and, occasionally, emergency treatment of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or acidosis. The recovery time averaged 1 week for electrolyte, acid-base imbalance, and kidney function. Notably, anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract were identified in 105 (85%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This review expands the understanding of overt transient pseudo-hypoaldosteronism complicating urinary tract infection. Management involves antimicrobials, fluid replacement, and consideration of electrolyte imbalances. Raising awareness of this condition within pediatric hospitalists is desirable.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Infants affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract may present with clinical and laboratory features resembling primary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism. • Identical features occasionally occur in infant urinary tract infection.

WHAT IS NEW

• Most cases of secondary pseudo-hypoaldosteronism associated with a urinary tract infection are concurrently affected by a congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract. • Treatment with antibiotics and parenteral fluids typically results in the normalization of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and creatinine within approximately 1 week.

Case report: Life threatening hyponatremia in infants with urinary tract infections: two cases of type III pseudohypoaldosteronism and review of the literature

We describe two female infants at the age of five and six months with urinary tract infections presenting with vomiting and reduced drinking behavior. On laboratory analysis, severe hyponatremia (106 mmol/L and 109 mmol/L) was seen with hyperkalemia and compensated metabolic acidosis. Endocrinological analyses revealed massively increased levels of aldosterone and renin, leading to the diagnosis of type III pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA). A review of the current literature 2013-2023 revealed 26 type III PHA cases aged up to ten months with reduced drinking behavior, weight loss and/or failure to thrive being the most common clinical presentations. Given the severe presentation of PHA electrolyte measurements in infants with urinary tract infections and/or in infants with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are strongly recommended.