[Pulse therapy of patients with nephritis: effect on arterial pressure, electrolyte metabolism and the renin-aldosterone system].

A study was made of the effects of ultra-high doses of prednisolone on arterial blood pressure, electrolyte metabolism and renin-aldosterone system in 18 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis, with normal renal function and renal failure. Administration of 1,000 mg prednisolone produced a noticeable but a short-term elevation of the arterial blood pressure. After administration of 1,000 mg prednisolone the patients without renal failure noted marked increase of diuresis and natriuresis accompanied by activation of the renin-aldosterone system. In patients with renal failure, diuresis also increased, however sodium excretion with urine dramatically reduced which was accompanied by inhibition of plasma renin activity. Marked retention of sodium during institution of pulse-therapy in patients with renal failure may cause some grave complications including brain edema.