#104: Renal tubular acidosis with Kidney Boy, Joel Topf MD

In this episode of The Curbsiders, hosted by Matthew Watto, Stuart Brigham, and Paul Williams, Dr. Joel Topf, also known as Kidney Boy, discusses renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. The episode begins with a discussion of a favorite failure of Dr. Topf's and the use of Twitter in medical education. Dr. Topf then explains the three main roles of the kidney in acid-base balance: reabsorbing filtered bicarbonate, synthesizing new bicarbonate, and excreting hydrogen ions. The hosts and Dr. Topf delve into the different types of RTA (Type 1, Type 2, and Type 4), their causes, and treatment strategies, including the use of bicarbonate and the importance of managing potassium levels. They also discuss the clinical relevance of the urine anion gap in diagnosing RTAs and the role of different intravenous fluids in managing metabolic acidosis.