MINERALOCORTICOIDS IN THE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME OF CHILDREN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (5) , 238-245
Abstract
Free aldosterone [ALDO], the ALDO precursor 18-OH-corticosterone, and 18-OH-deoxycorticosterone as well as the ALDO metabolites 18-glucuronide and tetrahydroaldosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in the urine of 24 children with the nephrotic syndrome. Renin activity, ALDO and corticosterone were measured in plasma. All children with manifest edema showed increased values of 1 or more of the measured ALDO parameters indicating hyperaldosteronism. In non-edematous patients 1 or more parameters were increased in 9 of 16 patients. Free ALDO, tetrahydroaldosterone and 18-OH-corticosterone proved to be the most sensitive urinary parameters for the detection of increased mineralocorticoid function. Free urinary ALDO was correlated with Na excretion and with serum albumin. The pathogenesis of hyperaldosteronism in the nephrotic syndrome and its role in the development of edema are discussed.