Demonstration of Increased Catecholamine Excretion in the Nephrotic Syndrome. ∗

Summary

In 7 edematous nephrotic children, the mean excretion of norepinephrine was significantly greater than in these children during remission or in 7 control subjects. The increased excretion did not correlate with glomerular filtration rate or quantity of urine protein but correlated with magnitude of sodium retention. Steroid therapy caused a prompt decrease of excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites. These findings may relate to circulatory changes or to other unrecognized abnormalities.