The Response of Idiopathic Renal Acidosis to Oral Sodium Lactate

Abstract

Summary A case of idiopathic renal acidosis with coincident hyperelectrolytaemia and hyper‐calcaemia is described. The renal response to the administration of sodium lactate is examined and it is shown that the overall response is similar to that which would occur in a normal child. The prolonged administration of sodium lactate did not cause a depletion of potassium. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the underlying defect is a failure on the part of the kidney to regulate the excretion of bicarbonate. The author wishes to thank Dr. R. LIGHTWOOD who was in charge of the case for his help, Dr. W. M. WALLACE for commenting on the findings, Dr. P. H. SANDERSON for advice and for assistance with the sodium and potassium determinations, Dr. V. WYNN for allowing the author to use his flame photometer, Mr. I. W. J. EVANS for technical help and Sister J. CAMPBELL for her skilful nursing care.