Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Factor in Patients with Cirrhosis

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Abstract
To the Editor: Despite intensive study, mechanisms of disturbed renal sodium handling in patients with cirrhosis of the liver have not been completely elucidated. Evidence that hyperaldosteronism cannot totally account for the retention of sodium and water in cirrhosis has prompted an increasing interest in other hormonal systems.1 Within the past several years the existence of a circulating natriuretic hormone2 , 3 and its importance in sodium retention in patients with cirrhosis4 5 6 have been proposed. The inability to measure and define this putative natriuretic hormone adequately, however, has impeded advances in investigating its role.7 Recently, the atrial natriuretic factors have emerged as . . .