THE VALUE OF RECENT LABORATORY TESTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF NEPHRITIS

Abstract

Chemical researches have recently added much to our knowledge of many pathologic conditions, but it is doubtful if any disorder has profited more than nephritis. The investigations have given us a clearer insight into this condition, have aided in diagnosis and prognosis and finally have been a guide to treatment. For a long time the clinician has been accustomed to rely on the examination of the urine for his index of the efficiency of the kidney. In nephritis the volume, specific gravity, albumin, casts, and occasionally, the chlorids and total nitrogen or urea have covered the examinations made. More recently the ability of the kidney to eliminate various substances administered, either per os or parenterally, has been practically employed as a means of determining its functional activity. The phenolsulphonephthalein test of Rowntree and Geraghty¹and the lactose and potassium iodid tests of Schlayer²have found extensive use, especially