SLC26A4 and Hypokalemia: Furthermore, known electrolyte abnormalities such as hypokalemia consequent to vascular volume depletion or due to the development of hypomagnesemia –either secondary to malabsorption or aminoglycoside-induced pseudo–Bartter Syndrome (14, 55–57)- can decrease pendrin expression and impair HCO3- excretion following base loading.