Changes in blood serotonin during hemodialysis.

Authors studied serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamin) in blood in patients with severe renal failure. Changes of serotonin in platelets and plasma in renal failure possibly play a part in clotting disorders of uremia. The authors found increased levels of serotonin in the patients, who suffered from acute and chronic renal failure. 15 patients were dialysed in regular dialysis treatment. Serotonin increased in blood after each dialysis. Platelets remained unchanged during hemodialysis. The authors discuss these new findings and correlate the above mentioned changes with electrolytes and some other laboratory findings.