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The red cell charge in steroid--responsive nephrotic syndrome
1Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore.
The Journal of the Singapore Paediatric Society
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Red blood cell surface charge does not reliably indicate glomerular charge in nephrotic syndrome. Alcian blue dye measurements showed no difference between patients and controls, suggesting a need for more specific diagnostic methods.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The glomerular filtration barrier's charge is crucial for kidney function.
- Red blood cell surface charge has been proposed as a potential indicator of glomerular capillary charge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if red blood cell surface charge reflects glomerular capillary charge in patients with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).
Main Methods:
- Measurements of red blood cell (RBC) charge were performed using the cationic dye, alcian blue.
- RBC charge was assessed in patients with SRNS during relapse and compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in RBC surface charge was observed between patients with SRNS in relapse and normal controls.
- Alcian blue binding did not reveal alterations in RBC charge that correlate with the disease state.
Conclusions:
- Red blood cell charge measurements are not a reliable surrogate for assessing the glomerular charge barrier in SRNS.
- More specific methods are required to evaluate the integrity of the glomerular charge barrier.