ELECTROLYTE BALANCES IN A MALE INFANT WITH ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY AND VIRILISM. THE EFFECT OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE AND SALT THERAPY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POTASSIUM12

Abstract

In a 3-month-old male infant with adrenocortical insufficiency and virilism, observations were made on the effect desoxycorti-costerone acetate (DCA) and changes in Na and K intake on electrolyte balances, serum electrolyte concns., and glomerular filtration rate. Withdrawal of the hormone and reduction of Na intake produced a rapid elevation of serum K which was associated with increased excretion of K and with markedly negative external and intracellular K balances. Treatment with DCA reversed these changes. Increased K intake raised serum K but neither increased K balances nor decreased Na balances. Changes in treatment produced no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate. There were also no striking effects on tubular reabsorption of K although there may have been re-absorption of a smaller proportion of filtered K following withdrawal of DCA and reduction of Na intake.