PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN WILMS' TUMOUR

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay for angiotensin I in 8 children with Wilms' tumour and in 12 normal children. Blood pressure in the patients was in the upper range of normal or just above. Before nephrectomy PRA levels were significantly higher than in normal children and adults. Five patients were studied before and after operation. A significant fall in PRA was observed. In one case blood was taken from the renal vein of the affected kidney; a high PRA level was detected. The results are in accordance with recent findings that Wilms' tumour may secrete increased amounts of renin.