[The effects of prostaglandin E1 on renal function].

The effects of prostaglandin E1 on renal function were studied in surgical patients under general anesthesia. The patients were over 20 years old, and had ischemic heart disease, hypertension and/or liver dysfunction. In 67 patients (PGE1 group), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was in fused at a rate of 0.02 mcg.kg-1.min-1. In 55 patients (control group), only lactated Ringer solution was infused at a rate of 10 ml.kg-1.h-1. Urine output and fractional sodium excretion in PGE1 group were significantly higher than those in control group. There were no significant differences in creatinine clearance and free water clearance between the two groups. The increase in urine output in PGE1 group could be attributed to the decrease in the water reabsorption in the proximal renal tubule.