PSEUDOHYPOALDOSTERONISM WITH INCREASED SWEAT AND SALIVA ELECTROLYTE VALUES AND FREQUENT LOWER RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONS MIMICKING CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

Four patients with severe pseudohypoaldosteronism caused by multiple e nd-organ resistance to aldosterone had frequently recurring lower resp iratory tract infections and persistently elevated sweat and saliva el ectrolyte values. The increased saliva electrolyte values in these pat ients probably affect normal mucociliary function in the respiratory t ract and facilitate the occurrence of frequent lower respiratory tract involvement. Patients with pseudohypoaldosteronism may require treatm ent similar to that for cystic fibrosis to prevent long-term respirato ry complications.