[Plasma aldosterone during haemodialysis in patients with terminal renal failure]

In 14 patients with terminal renal failure who underwent dialysis with a solution containing potassium in a concentration of 2 mmol/l, the aldosterone concentration in plasma decreased significantly during haemodialysis. On the other hand a clear increase of plasma aldosterone was observed during haemodialysis in two patients who were dialysed with a solution containing potassium in a concentration of 4 mmol/l. This observation demonstrates the importance of plasma potassium for the regulation of plasma aldosterone concentration during haemodialysis. It suggests that the renin-angiotensin system has no major role in the regulation of aldosterone despite sodium and fluid losses.