ALDOSTERONE AND SODIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN PRETERM INFANTS

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Abstract
A specific mass spectrometric method was used for tetrahydroaldosterone determination in urine of preterm infants (26-34 wk gestational age) up to 9 wk of age. Hyponatremia during the first 2 wk of life was associated with an excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone (5-50 .mu.g/24 h) comparable with full-term infants. Excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone was significantly elevated in all infants studied during the 3rd wk of life (80-350 .mu.g/24 h), and this was associated with establishment of positive Na balance. The excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone remained high for 2 or 3 wk. The results are discussed in relation to the development of renal tubules and control mechanisms for Na homeostasis.