AMINO NITROGEN CHANGES OF THE BLOOD IN NEPHRITIS

Abstract

In nephritic patients with a renal function above 40% of normal the amino N content of plasma determined gasometrically was normal (4-6.5 mgm. per 100 cc. of plasma). In uremic coma the values were 2-to 7-fold normal; in advanced cases without uremic symptoms and in the pre-coma stage the results were variable. Amino N fluctuations in the red blood cells were less marked than in the plasma. No significant variation of the plasma peptide N was noticed. The observed increases of amino N of plasma did not appear to be directly related to the renal failure, but to a disturbance of the metabolism of the amino acids as part of the general debacle.