Hypokalemia in a young man…think Bartter syndrome type 3

Background: Bartter syndrome is an autosomal recessive salt reabsorption disorder that results in decreased extracellular fluid volume with low/normal blood pressure.

Case presentation: A 17-year-old boy with polydipsia, polyuria, weakness in the lower limbs, and ataxic gait. His Laboratory test shows hypokalemia; hypochloremia, hypomagnesemia and metabolic alkalosis. The authors' patient was managed by fluid and electrolyte replacement, which is essential in emergency management.

Conclusion: Bartter syndrome is difficult to treat, and currently, there is no complete cure. The overall prognosis depends on the extent of receptor dysfunction, and despite these facts, most patients can live a normal life if they strictly follow their treatment plan.