Type IV renal tubular acidosis and spironolactone therapy in the elderly

Abstract

Spironolactone therapy is a well-known cause of hyperkalaemia, but in susceptible patient, it may also be associated with metabolic acidosis. We report a case of severe renal tubular acidosis (Type IV) with life-threatening hyperkalaemia caused by spironolactone, and discuss the mechanisms by which this may occur.