SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS IN RENAL INSUFFICIENCY IN CHILDREN

Abstract
Basal prolactin [P] concentrations in 48 children with acute or chronic renal disease were compared with those in 34 healthy control subjects. Elevated basal P levels and an abnormal P response to i.v. thyrotropin-releasing hormone [thyroliberin] were found in children with chronic renal failure on maintenance intermittent hemodialysis. No significant change in plasma P concentrations and osmolality was observed before and after hemodialysis, despite a fall in plasma creatinine concentrations. The elevated P levels fell to normal in 3 patients after successful renal transplantation. The kidney apparently has an important role in P metabolism.