Renal tubular acidosis

The term renal tubular acidosis (RTA) refers to a group of disorders in which the kidneys are unable to properly secrete acids into the urine or reabsorb bicarbonate in the renal tubules. As a result, acid accumulates in the body, leading to metabolic acidosis and a decrease in blood pH.

Renal tubular acidosis is often asymptomatic, particularly in milder cases. However, when acidosis becomes more severe, patients may experience weakness, fatigue, muscle problems, and impaired breathing.

The condition is typically treated with alkali therapy, which helps restore the body’s acid–base balance, as well as correction of electrolyte disturbances when necessary.

Renal tubular acidosis is more commonly seen in children, people with diabetes mellitus, congenital liver cirrhosis, kidney stone disease, and individuals taking certain medications that can affect kidney function.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology