DIETARY PROTEIN IN HEMORRHAGIC BRIGHT'S DISEASE

Abstract

Four patients with chronic hemorrhagic Bright''s disease were observed during periods at levels of protein intake, ranging from about 40 to 200 grams per diem. No deleterious effects upon the course of the disease were observed during periods of liberal protein intake. Hematuria, as a measure of intensity of glomerular injury, was not increased. This was measured by the quantitative sediment counts of Addis. Functional capacity, as measured by blood urea clearance, continued to increase. Slight increases in proteinuria which occurred in 2 cases during the higher protein diets are believed to be without deleterious significance. Slight increases in azotemia occurred, which were accentuated by the restriction of water intake necessary in making sediment counts. Serum proteins fluctuated independently of the level of protein intake and of N balance. Blood pressure was not increased by the more liberal protein allowance. General clinical improvement occurred in all cases. Weight increased (not due to edema), anemia improved, and patients returned to their normal state of strength and vitality.