Patterns of Change in Selected Serum Chemical Parameters of Middle and Later Years

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Abstract
Six serum constituents known to vary with renal function were analyzed in a probability sample of 500 persons 55 years and over, and their sex trends compared to other ages. Creatinine, BUN and alkaline phosphatase are elevated in this group whereas calcium is low and phosphorus strikingly so, especially in males. A possible explanation lies in age-related renal parenchymal changes which influence both glomerular filtration and tubular functions in ways that differ from true renal disease. These results have directed implications for geriatric diagnosis and therapy.