EFFECT OF ALDOSTERONE IN A CASE OF HYPOALDOSTERONISM

Abstract

ABSTRACT A patient previously described by the present authors as having selective hypoaldosteronism has been studied more extensively with special reference to the effect of aldosterone. Additional evidence has also been obtained in support of the original diagnosis of selective hypoaldosteronism. With the patient on a constant sodium intake, aldosterone intramuscularly or intravenously in a dose of 500 to 1000 μg a day was followed by retention of sodium and chloride, gain in body weight, increase in systolic blood pressure, and a rise in the serum sodium. Potassium excretion was increased throughout the period of aldosterone administration. The serum potassium showed a slight decrease. Similar effects were noted on administration of fluorohydrocortisone.