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Plasma renin concentration, activity and substrate in normal children
Insights
Pediatric plasma renin concentration (PRC), activity (PRA), and substrate concentration (PRSC) are higher than in adults and decline with age. Measuring PRC with age-specific values is recommended due to declining PRSC.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Renal Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation.
- Understanding developmental changes in RAAS components is vital for pediatric health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in plasma renin concentration (PRC), activity (PRA), and substrate concentration (PRSC) in children.
- To compare pediatric RAAS parameters with adult values and explore their interrelationships.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of PRC, PRA, and PRSC were performed in 27 males and 31 female children (3 days to 14.5 years).
- Logarithmic transformations were applied to all parameters for analysis.
- Correlations between RAAS parameters, age, and body surface area were assessed.
Main Results:
- PRC, PRA, and PRSC were significantly higher in children than in adults.
- All three parameters showed a negative correlation with age and body surface area.
- PRA strongly correlated with PRC (r=0.98) and PRSC (r=0.55).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric RAAS components (PRC, PRA, PRSC) are elevated compared to adults and decrease with age.
- A negative feedback mechanism between PRSC and PRC is suggested.
- PRC measurement with age-related reference values is recommended over PRA due to declining PRSC in childhood.
Abstract:
Plasma renin concentration (PRC), activity (PRA) and substrate concentration (PRSC) were measured in 27 males and 31 female children aged 3 days to 14.5 years (median age 10 months). No sex difference between the three parameters was found and the data were therefore combined for boys and girls. Logarithmic transformation were used for all parameters. PRC, PRA and PRSC were significantly higher in children than in adults and were negatively correlated by age or body surface area. As expected, PRA was strongly positively correlated to PRC (r = 0.98, P less than 0.001) and to PRSC ( r = 0.55, P less than 0.001). From the second order partial correlation coefficients it is concluded that PRSC and PRC in children decrease with age or body surface area, and that PRA consequently also decreases. A negative feed-back regulatory mechanism between PRSC and PRC is suggested. Because of the decline in PRSC during childhood, it is recommended to measure PRC instead of PRA and to use age related reference values.