Abstract
Serum electrolyte equilibrium and plasma aldosterone concentrations were monitored in 19 infants who had severe obstructive uropathy or grade 5 vesico-ureteral reflux and were undergoing surgical correction in the first 2 months of life. Before surgery high plasma aldosterone levels were observed in 8 patients, but serum sodium and potassium concentrations were normal. Plasma concentrations of aldosterone were elevated in all patients during the week following surgery and 7 patients developed severe hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and weight loss despite very high plasma aldosterone concentrations. As a consequence 5 infants were infused with sodium chloride (4 mEq/kg per day) before and for 36h after surgery; this prevented metabolic imbalance. We conclude that infants undergoing surgical correction of uropathies may require a high sodium intake to maintain electrolyte balance and adequate growth.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 581-584 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Pediatric Nephrology |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 1990 |
Keywords
- Aldosterone
- Obstructive uropathy
- Serum electrolytes
- Sodium chloride infusion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Nephrology