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Endocrine abnormalities in patients with endstage renal failure
F Kokot1, A Wiecek, W Grzeszczak
1Department of Nephrology Silesian School of Medicine, Katowice.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Uraemic patients may have hyperendorphinism, a condition that initially helps but later harms their health. Erythropoietin treatment causes significant endocrine changes in these patients, but the cause is still under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Uraemia is associated with disturbances in the internal environment.
- Hyperendorphinism is suggested to exist in uraemic patients.
- This condition may act as a compensatory mechanism with secondary harmful effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endocrine alterations in uraemic, haemodialyzed patients treated with erythropoietin.
- To explore the potential role of hyperendorphinism in the uraemic state.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma levels of various hormones and renin activity in uraemic patients.
- Observation of endocrine changes following erythropoietin treatment.
Main Results:
- Erythropoietin treatment led to suppression of STH, ACTH, prolactin, glucagon, aldosterone, cortisol, and plasma renin activity.
- Elevated plasma insulin and atrial natriuretic levels were observed.
- Plasma levels of PTH, CT, and AVP were not significantly influenced.
Conclusions:
- Erythropoietin treatment induces marked endocrine alterations in uraemic patients.
- It remains unclear if these alterations are due to anaemia correction or specific erythropoietin effects.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms behind these endocrine changes.