Abstract
Background: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited tubular disease which is caused by mutation in the SLC12A3 gene. It is characterized by hypokalemic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria, and can cause serious complications such as arrhythmia, syncope, sudden death, etc. Bartter syndrome (BS) is similar to Gitelman syndrome in clinical and laboratory examinations. If lack of sufficient understanding of the disease, it is easy to cause misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Case presentation: A 6-year-old Chinese girl presented with history of hand and foot spasms and was diagnosed with hypokalemia. Although multiple symptomatic treatments of potassium supplementation was given, is the concentration of potassium was still at a low level. Gene analysis revealed that the presence of two heterozygous mutations, i.e. a missense mutation c.248G> A and a frameshift mutation c.2875_2876del, in the SLC12A3 gene.The child was diagnosed with Gitelman syndrome(GS) due to SLC12A3 compound heterozygous mutation. Through treatment, the level of ion metabolism in children remains stable. Conclusions: By reviewing its clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment ideas, we can help improve clinicians' understanding of children's GS.
A Case Report: Gitelman Syndrome or Bartter Syndrome?
