Abstract
Total body potassium (TBK) was determined in 21 non-dialyzed patients with CRF aged 4 to 18 years. Glomerular filtration rate measured concomittantly (usually by CInulin) ranged between 3 and 63 (mean 17) ml/min/1.73 m2. The mean duration of CRF was 36 months. TBK was calculated from K40 content assessed by a whole body counter. Compared to predicted values adjusted for weight, height, sex and age (Burmeister, W. and A. Bingert, Klin. Wschr. 45, 409, 1967) TBK was reduced in 18 of 21 patients, with a mean of 85.7 % of normal (p < 0.01). No correlations were found between TBK and serum K, K clearance, renal function, duration and cause of renal failure, These results suggest that total cell mass is reduced early in the course of CRF and persists up to the end-stage. An adequate K intake seems to be important for maintaining a positive K balance and, thereby, for allowing a sufficient nutritional status and body growth in children with CRF.
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Weber, H., Michalk, D., Romahn, A. et al. 162: Total body potassium in children with chronic renal failure (CRF). Pediatr Res 10, 897 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197610000-00153
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197610000-00153
