SERIAL DETERMINATIONS OF EXTRACELLULAR FLUID VOLUME USING THE RADIOSULPHATE SPACE METHOD

Abstract

The fate of injected and ingested radiosulphate was investigated. The appearance of radiosulphate in bile was shown to be very rapid. Ingested radiosulphate was rapidly and completely absorbed, peak blood levels occurring at 1 to 2 hours.The sulphate space method of measuring extracellular fluid volume was studied and a method adopted requiring two serum samples taken at 1/2 and 6 hours following injection. This procedure provided a convenient means of making independent observations of extracellular fluid volume as often as four times a day in individual subjects. When values for the sulphate space were compared in the same individuals under conditions similar with respect to diet, activity, and time of day, the coefficient of variation was calculated to be ± 5.7% or about ± 1% of body weight. Values among well-nourished subjects with no known abnormalities of water or electrolyte balance gave a mean of 17.5% body weight with a range of 13.5 to 22% body weight. Values among obese subjects averaged 12.8% body weight.Studies of the diurnal variation of the sulphate space made every 6 hours throughout the day suggested that in man, under conditions of uniform intake and normal activity, there is a diurnal variation of extracellular fluid volume, higher values occurring at night.