[Proceedings: Plasma renin activity in management of Addison's disease (author's transl)].

13 patients with Addison's disease, 7 men and 6 women, 19 to 61 years old, were investigated. Plasma Renin Activity (P.R.A.) is measured by radioimmunoassay of Angiotensin I (ng/ml/h) in the supine (S) and the upright (U) position. These patients are studied before treatment and under normal sodium diet in 11 cases: the P.R.A. value is constantly increased [5 men: MS = 10,09 (range: 6,2-12,5) and MU = 23,22 (range : 17,1-31,09), 6 women : MS = 24,48 (range : 3,46-45,04) and MU = 42,23 (range : 42,23 (range 17,37-69,34), to be compared with our normal values (M +/- S.D.) : MS = 1,02 +/- 0,39 and MU = 2,56 +/- 0,99 for men - MS = 0,82 +/- 0,14 and MU = 2,32 +/- 0,93 for women in follicular phase - MS = 1,45 +/- 0,56 and MU = 4,59 +/- 1,63 for women in luteinic phase. After dietary sodium restriction (10 mEq/24 h) in 2 cases, the P.R.A. is significantly increased with respect to the basal value]. Under Hydrocortisone alone (25 to 30 mg/24 h) and normal sodium diet, 4 patients kept significantly increased P.R.A. values. Under Hydrocortisone (20 to 40 mg/24 h) and 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone (50 to 100 microgrammes/24 h) for 6 days to 14 months, the P.R.A. value decrease into the normal range [men : MS = 1,02 (range : 0,54-1,92) and MU = 1,68 (RNAGE : 0,81-2,57) - 2 Menopausal women : MS = 1,55 and MU - 1,16. The P.R.A. measurement seems useful in the adaptation of Addision's disease treatment.