[Plasma aldosterone in childhood].

According to a radioimmunological method modified in our laboratory we determined plasma aldosterone levels under standardized conditions in children of different age from 2 weeks to 14 years, in women undergoing uncomplicated vaginal delivery, and in the cord blood of the corresponding newborn babies. Furthermore, the effect of different stimulating factors (ACTH, salt restriction, severe vomiting, fever) in children was studied. In mothers and cord blood we found 68.6 +/- 39.3 ng/100 ml and 75.5 +/- 37.4 ng/100 ml, respectively. In the first two years of life there is a decrease in plasma aldosterone levels to the relatively constant concentration at the age of 2 to 14 years (7.3 +/- 4.7 ng/100 ml). The age groups 2 weeks to 1 year, 1 to 2 years and 2 to 14 years all show significant differences. A correlation of age (first two years of life) and plasma aldosterone level could be shown (correlation coefficient -0.50 according to Pearson). The stimulation results are comparable with literature data concerning adults. The mechanism of stimulation by vomiting and fever is discussed.