Renal tubular acidosis: mechanisms and management.

Renal tubular acidosis is not one entity but several. Even though all its forms are characterized by the kidney's inability to excrete an appropriately acid urine, the mechanism of the defect, its laboratory and clinical manifestations, and its management vary considerably. One type can cause disabling complications in various organ systems, while another is generally asymptomatic. Differential diagnosis is straightforward, and treatment effective.