EFFECT OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) AND CORTISONE ON PROTEINURIA AND HEMATURIA IN THE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Abstract

1. Fifteen children suffering from the nephrotic syndrome were treated with 22 courses of either ACTH or cortisone. Three children failed to have a diuresis during 4 courses of treatment. No decrease in proteinuria was noted. Eighteen courses of hormone treatment resulted in diuresis in 12 patients. A decrease in proteinuria preceded diuresis in each instance. [See Table II, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in Source Pdf] 2. A relationship between severity of hypoproteinemia and onset of diuresis, once proteinuria has started to decrease, has been established. 3. It is concluded that one of the important actions of ACTH or cortisone in inducing diuresis is concerned with the decrease in proteinuria, resulting in increasing plasma protein concentration and oncotic pressure. 4. The effect of these hormones on hematuria in nephrosis has been noted during 4 courses of treatment. In these proteinuria decreased appreciably. In 4 instances hematuria persisted and proteinuria decreased only slightly or not at all.