Gastric secretory studies in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Abstract

The composition of gastric secretion in the presence of azotemia has been well defined. The composition of gastric secretion in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis has not been previously studied. Several reports emanating from dialysis centers in both the United States and England suggest that peptic ulceration may occur more frequently in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis than in the general population. To better understand the etiology of peptic disease and the possible relationship existing between it and gastric secretion in a chronically hemodialyzed population, gastric secretory studies were performed in a series of 11 patients. The results of these studies indicate basal hyposecretion and hypoacidity to be the most characteristic feature of this group. Following maximal Histalog stimulation, patients were able to secrete a normal amount of gastric juice with a normal pH. Of the patients studied, only one, who manifested basal hyperacidity, had peptic disease. Correlation between volume and acidity of gastric juice and age, duration and type of disease, and biochemical abnormalities could not be demonstrated. It is concluded that factors other than gastric acidity must be implicated in peptic disease occurring in a chronically hemodialyzed population.