Renal tubular acidosis

Abstract

Renal tubular acidosis is a collection of renal tubular disorders of diverse etiopathological states that present with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis due to failure of net renal acid excretion. This review attempts to simplify the underlying physiological basis, the pathophysiological patterns, and the clinical manifestations. An algorithmic approach to diagnose RTA along with a description of most of the tests used is provided. The clinical approach to RTA is followed by a brief note on its therapy.