Bartter's syndrome: an overview.

Bartter's syndrome, which is characterized by hypokalemic hypochloremic alkalosis, renal juxtaglomerular hyperplasia, elevated renin and aldosterone, and normal or low blood pressure, has been ascribed to a variety of etiologies. Most recently, the prostaglandins have been in the forefront of the pathophysiologic discussion. Two cases with appropriate renal biopsies are reviewed, as are the clinicopathologic pathways. It is important that strict criteria be applied, and confirmation by renal biopsy is urged.