Renal tubular acidosis has come up a few times in the past papers. It is usually a way to call the candidate's attention to solvent abuse (toluene causes RTA Type 1), or an excuse to ask about the urinary anion gap.
Previous SAQs on the subject of renal tubular acidosis have included the following:
- Question 18.2 from the second paper of 2013
- Question 20.3 from the first paper of 2013
- Question 3.3 from the second paper of 2011
This topic is explored in greater detail in the section on acid-base disturbances, and specifically in the discussion of the diagnostic approach to normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Those chapters may extend beyond the needs of the poor crazed exam candidate. Instead of adding even more reading material to one's pile, the following brief tables may suffice.
Type 1
|
Type 2
|
Type 4
|
Type 1Autoimmune diseases
Hypercalciuric conditionsMiscellaneous conditionsDrugs |
Type 2Congential
Acquired
Drugs |
Type 4Failure of renin secretion
Angiotensin system failure
Decreased aldosterone secretion
Aldosterone receptor malfunction
ENaC sodim channel blockade |