Relationship between plasma arginine vasopressin and renal water handling in decompensated cirrhosis
Epstein, M.; Weitzman, R.E.; Preston, S.; DeNunzio, A.G.
Mineral and Electrolyte Metabolism 10(3): 155-165
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-0392 PMID: 6374413 Document Number: 234063
Although an impairment in renal water excretion is a commonly encountered clinical problem in cirrhotic patients, the mechanisms responsible for this abnormality are uncertain. ADH , was measured every 30 min. Twelve of the 17 patients manifested a diuresis that equalled or exceeded that documented in normal hydropenic subjects during immersion. NI did not alter mean AVP as compared with either the pre-study hour or those of the corresponding control study. Peak V and CH2O varied independently of prestudy AVP (r = -0.116), mean change in AVP (r = -0.060), as well as nadir AVP levels (r = -0.122). The demonstration of a diuresis in some of the subjects, occurring without concomitant suppression of plasma AVP, suggests that ADH may constitute a permissive rather than pivotal factor in the impaired water excretion of many patients with advanced liver disease.