Markers of potassium homeostasis in salt losing tubulopathies- associations with hyperaldosteronism and hypomagnesemia

BACKGROUND: Renal loss of potassium (K(+)) and magnesium (Mg(2+)) in salt losing tubulopathies (SLT) leads to significantly reduced Quality of Life (QoL) and higher risks of cardiac arrhythmia. The normalization of K(+) is currently the most widely accepted treatment target, however in even excellently designed RCTs the increase of K(+) was only mild and rarely normalized. These findings question the role of K(+) as the ideal marker of potassium homeostasis in SLT. Aim of this hypothesis-generating study was to define surrogate endpoints for future treatment trials in SLT in terms of their usefulness to determine QoL and important clinical outcomes. METHODS: Within this prospective cross-sectional study including 11 patients with SLTs we assessed the biochemical, clinical and cardiological parameters and their relationship with QoL (RAND SF-36). The primary hypothesis was that QoL would be more dependent of higher aldosterone concentration, assessed by the transtubular-potassium-gradient (TTKG). Correlations were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Included patients were mainly female (82%, mean age 34 ± 12 years). Serum K(+) and Mg(2+) was 3.3 ± 0.6 mmol/l and 0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/l (mean ± SD). TTKG was 9.5/3.4–20.2 (median/range). While dimensions of mental health mostly correlated with serum Mg(2+) (r = 0.68, p = 0.04) and K(+) (r = 0.55, p = 0.08), better physical health was associated with lower aldosterone levels (r = -0.61, p = 0.06). TTKG was neither associated with aldosterone levels nor with QoL parameters. No relevant abnormalities were observed in neither 24 h-ECG nor echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperaldosteronism, K(+) and Mg(2+) were the most important parameters of QoL. TTKG was no suitable marker for hyperaldosteronism or QoL. Future confirmatory studies in SLT should assess QoL as well as aldosterone, K(+) and Mg(2+).