The treatment of secondary hyperaldosteronism with oedema by amino-glutethimide

Abstract

A new inhibitor of adrenocortical secretion, amino-glutethimide (Elipten, CIBA) was used to treat 37 patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism and oedema due to congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and idiopathic oedema. 32 of the 37 patients responded with a significant sodium diuresis secondary to decreased tubular reabsorption of sodium. Their aldosterone excretion fell significantly after Elipten, and the plasma renin activity showed a significant rise. In 2 of the 5 patients resistant to a combination of Elipten with Lasix, a sodium diuresis followed additional treatment with triamcinolone. A skin rash occurred after Elipten in 1 of the 37 patients. — Elipten may be used with advantage for the treatment of selected patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism and oedema. In some ways it is better than the alternative treatment with spironolactones.