Gastric secretory function in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Gastric secretion was evaluated in 9 male patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Five secreted low or normal quantities of acid and 4 exhibited hypersecretion, 2 of whom had associated peptic ulcer disease. Serum gastrin responses to a protein meal were comparable to control subjects. Calcium infusion in two basal hypersecretors depressed acid secretion. The only statistically significant correlation observed was between basal acid output ans serum levels of parathormone. These studies suggest that while acid secretory abnormalities vary in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, there is no apparent sensitivity of the gastrin-secreting cells to protein or calcium ion which might account for acid hypersecretion. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may influence the occurrence of acid secretory abnormalities.