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The urinary excretion of trace elements before and during treatment with hydralazine
Acta Medica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1975
Summary
Hydralazine treatment significantly increased copper excretion in hypertensive patients. This study investigated trace element changes, finding elevated copper levels during medication.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Trace Element Analysis
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a complex condition potentially influenced by trace element levels.
- Understanding the metabolic effects of antihypertensive medications is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the urinary excretion of multiple trace elements in hypertensive patients.
- To determine the impact of hydralazine treatment on trace element profiles, particularly copper.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of urinary samples from five hypertensive patients before and during hydralazine therapy.
- Utilized neutron activation analysis combined with a novel ion exchange technique for precise elemental quantification.
Main Results:
- Urinary excretion of antimony, arsenic, bromine, cadmium, caesium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, mercury, molybdenum, rubidium, scandium, selenium, silver, tungsten, and zinc was measured.
- A significant finding was the more than twofold increase in mean copper excretion during hydralazine treatment compared to pre-treatment levels.
Conclusions:
- Hydralazine therapy alters trace element metabolism in hypertensive patients.
- The observed increase in copper excretion warrants further investigation into its clinical significance and potential mechanisms.