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Effect of prednisone on renal function in man
B A van Acker1, M F Prummel, J A Weber
1Department of Nephrology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Nephron
|January 1, 1993
Summary
High-dose prednisone (60 mg/day) increases glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma creatinine in Graves' ophthalmopathy patients. This indicates protein wasting, not improved kidney function, during short-term treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Prednisone treatment is known to cause an increase in plasma creatinine concentration.
- The underlying mechanisms for this rise in plasma creatinine during prednisone therapy require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-dose prednisone on renal function in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.
- To clarify the observed rise in plasma creatinine concentration during prednisone treatment.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving Graves' ophthalmopathy patients.
- Patients received either prednisone 60 mg/day or retrobulbar radiotherapy (control) for 2 weeks.
- Measurements included plasma creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and urinary creatinine excretion rate before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Prednisone treatment significantly increased plasma creatinine concentration (68 to 76 mumol/l).
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) also increased (93 to 102 ml/min/1.73 m2) with prednisone.
- Urinary creatinine excretion rate rose (510 to 570 mumol/h) during prednisone administration.
Conclusions:
- High-dose prednisone (60 mg/day) administration for 2 weeks leads to an increase in GFR.
- The rise in plasma creatinine during prednisone treatment does not reflect improved renal function but likely results from prednisone's catabolic effects.
- Prednisone treatment is associated with protein wasting, even after 14 days.