Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are a health care professional

honeypot link

Liddle Syndrome

By

L. Aimee Hechanova

, MD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso

Reviewed/Revised May 2022
View PATIENT EDUCATION

Liddle syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder involving increased activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which causes the kidneys to excrete potassium but retain too much sodium and water, leading to hypertension. Symptoms are of hypertension, fluid retention, and metabolic alkalosis. Diagnosis is through measurement of urinary electrolytes. Potassium-sparing diuretics provide the best treatment.

Diagnosis of Liddle Syndrome

  • Urine sodium level

  • Plasma renin and aldosterone levels

Diagnosis is suggested by the presence of hypertension in a young patient, particularly one with a positive family history. Low urine sodium (< 20 mEq, or 20 mmol/L), low plasma renin and aldosterone levels, and response to empiric treatment usually are considered sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved through genetic testing (see GeneTests for more information) .

Treatment of Liddle Syndrome

  • Triamterene or amiloride

Triamterene 100 to 200 mg orally twice/day and amiloride 5 to 20 mg orally once/day are both effective because they close sodium channels. Spironolactone is ineffective.

More Information

The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

  • GTR: Genetic Testing Registry: This central location for genetic test data includes information on the purpose, validity, and usefulness of those tests, which are grouped by helpful search categories (eg, human tests, microbe tests, conditions/phenotypes).

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Dyrenium
Midamor
Aldactone, CAROSPIR
View PATIENT EDUCATION
NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz! 
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP