METABOLIC STUDIES WITH DESOXY-CORTICOSTERONE ACETATE (DCA)

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Abstract
DCA, 20-30 mg./day, was admd. to 2 rheumatoid arthritis patients for 34-60 days. Na, Cl and fluid were retained initially, then lost (in 2 instances) so that the overall balance was negative. In the 3d instance the balance was approaching a negative phase by the end of the expt. Na24-exchangeable Na was increased in 1 case where the balance was negative. K was excreted initially under the influence of DCA; after stopping the hormone, an equivalent retention of K occurred. Exchangeable K42 was reduced during the early part of the expt. Plasma Na increased initially, but returned to normal during treatment Hypokalemic alkalosis occurred in all cases. Urinary Ca, P and N increased during treatment. Urinary uric acid, creatine, creatinine, 17-ketosteroids and reducing substances; and blood lymphocytes and eosinophiles were unchanged.