Most cases of dRTA are inherited (primary dRTA, also known as Butler-Albright syndrome or Lightwood-Albright syndrome) and are caused by a genetic mutation or ‘spelling mistake’ in the genes that the body uses to make the tubules.

Some cases of dRTA are caused by another condition such as Sjogren’s, or by a reaction to certain medication (secondary dRTA), including lithium (a psychiatric medication) and some types of antibiotics.

Both types of dRTA affect the kidneys’ tubules and cause them not to work as well as they should do.

The tubules help to balance the amounts of water, salts and minerals (electrolytes) in the body. They control how much of these substances stays in your child’s blood to keep their body healthy and how much is lost in their urine (wee).

Electrolytes help to keep your child’s muscles and heart working properly, keep their bones strong and help with their brain function.

When the tubules do not work as they should do, the balance of water and electrolytes in the body is affected. Your child may lose too much water and electrolytes in their urine or keep more than they need. Both types of imbalances can affect your child’s health.

In dRTA extra acid builds up in your child’s blood rather than being lost in the urine. Your child also loses more potassium and calcium in their urine than they should do.

This web page is printer-friendly.

To save the page as a PDF, print as normal and select "Save as PDF" as your printer destination.