Adrenal function in normal infants and in marasmus and kwashiorkor: Plasma aldosterone concentration and aldosterone secretion rate

In normal infants 2.1 to 3.2 months of age and in those 4.8 to 10.6 months of age, plasma aldosterone concentrations were, respectively, 88±42 and 61±43 ng. per 100 ml. (S.D.) and the aldosterone secretion rates were 75±21 and 70±36 μg per 24 hours. Older infants, 12.5 to 18.5 months of age, had plasma aldosterone levels of 17±7 ng. per 100 ml. and aldosterone secretion of 73±43 μg per 24 hours. The plasma aldosterone concentrations of the two younger groups were significantly higher than that of the 12.5-to 18.5-month-old children (p<0.005), but the secretion rates were similar. Six children with marasmus had plasma aldosterone levels similar to those of age or height/weight matched control infants before and after therapy. Their aldosterone secretion rates were significantly greater than those of control infants; after treatment the rates fell to normal levels. Children with kwashiorkor had plasma aldosterone concentrations which were elevated (mean±S.D. 53±50 ng. per 100 ml.) when compared to those of a control group matched for height/weight, whereas aldosterone secretion remained normal (92±98 μg per 24 hours).