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Plasma renin activity in infants with congenital heart disease

A M Scammell1, M J Diver

  • 1Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Infants with severe heart failure showed high plasma renin activity, suggesting a hyperactive renin-angiotensin system. This may indicate that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors could benefit these young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Renal Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe congestive heart failure in infants often involves congenital heart disease with left-to-right shunts.
  • Diuretic treatment is commonly used for fluid management in these pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate plasma renin activity in infants with severe congestive heart failure.
  • To investigate the potential role of the renin-angiotensin system in this condition.
  • To explore therapeutic implications of findings.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma renin activity was measured in 11 infants using radioimmunoassay.
  • Quantification of generated angiotensin I concentrations was performed.
  • Comparison of measured activity to normal infant values.

Main Results:

  • Mean plasma renin activity was significantly elevated at 84 (21) ng angiotensin I/ml/hour.
  • This level is considerably higher than established normal values for infants.
  • Findings suggest a hyperactive renin-angiotensin system in infants with severe heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • A hyperactive renin-angiotensin system may be detrimental in infants with severe congestive heart failure.
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of these inhibitors in this population.

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