SELECTIVE HYPOALDOSTERONISM: A REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: Selective hypoaldosteronism (SH) is a condition manifested by hyperkalemia due to low aldosterone secretion with normal cortisol. One of the obstacles in diagnosis is the awareness of the condition itself. The objective of this review is to highlight what is known about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of SH.

Methods: Literature search was performed on PubMed and Ovid Medline for articles which contained hypoaldosteronism as a major topic.

Results: The recent literature on this topic is surprisingly limited. Few recent review articles were found, none of which were in English and less than 5 years old. Case reports and genetic literature were also included in this review, as they contain the most recent reports of SH in the literature.

Conclusion: Awareness about SH will hopefully help physicians to identify patients at risk as well as decide on treatment if any therapy is required.